No.670 / Vol.128 Reports & News Summer 2018

Phil Sesseman in winning form in the British Athletic League at Bedford A Club well worth backing From the Editor Thanks to our sponsors: We’re looking back here on the events of Summer Biggin Hill Airport, 2018, although I might be able to detect in a few Jack Petchey Foundation, readers a hint of suspicion that we are looking So Clean back from a slightly later time given the date and to many other generous when this issue finally comes out in print. I can individuals who offered backing hardly deny the fact but must do my best to give and assistance. the impression that we are still back in the early autumn when the reports are just being written and the summer is a very recent memory. Recalling those events special mention of course must be made of our CONTENTS international stars Dina and Adam who have continued to deliver at the highest level of competition, both in the Commonwealth and Euro- Athletics Reports 2018 pean Games and at the other prestige meetings. For Dina it has been 3. Senior Women UKWAL a smoother year and her progress as well as Adam’s are mentioned in 6. Senior Men BAL a feature in this issue. May it lead to greater things in Tokyo in 2020. 12. Junior Men Congratulations must also go to the Senior Men who have achieved 14. Masters promotion to the top division of the National League the first time 16. Junior Women, National they’ve been there since 2001, this a breakthrough for a new rising Championships generation of premier athletes to join the seasoned familiar names of 19. Junior Women, European those whose exploits have been much reported in this magazine over Cup the years. There’s also been another commendable if not ultimate- ly successful performance of the Junior Women in Europe and a 21. English Schools Mini remarkable retention by the Junior men of their national title and an Olympics equally commendable performance alongside the women in Castellon. 24. U13 and U15 UKYDL 28 U17 Southern Athletics Meanwhile the objective of moving to a new club headquarters continues as resolutions have been passed to move this forward, League planning applications submitted and a successful outcome hoped 30. Parris Handicap for, assuming there is no unexpected turn of events delay the move going ahead. Features 32. London Marathon Supper All this and the mounting anticipation of a highly eventful and memorable 150th anniversary year which will be starting next spring. Club News The logo designed by former assistant editor Peter Rogers is now 36. Doing England Proud in use, the merchandise is now available and they key events are 38. AGM/Club move being finalised. Wilf Orton, October 2018

Obituaries Before signing off I wish to offer grateful thanks to the following for 41. Peter Long willingly providing articles and reports for this issue: PP Pat Calnan, PP Tim Soutar, Paul Austridge VP, Maz Turner VP, Brendan McShane 42. Club Officials VP, Rod Harrington, Nick Swatton, Len Dalmon VP, PP Mike Martineau. The next issue covering the winter 2018/19 is in preparation and the deadline for submission of material is August 2019. Athletics Report 3

UK Women’s Athletic League: 2018 Review Brendan McShane reports…

Was it really ten months ago since the heroic achievement of our senior girls at Norman Park meant that we continued to compete in the Premier division? Oh well, time to start again! Every new season brings renewed hope that one of these days our girls are going to win the premier division. This is not just wishful thinking, I honestly believe they can given the talent we have at our disposal. So how did we do?… A number of impressive performances contributed to a joint highest Saturday 2nd June – Eton position in the Premier Division At our first match of the season, there were many welcome It was also great to see England 1.75m the same as the winner returns to the team with rugby international Shaunagh with Rebecca Hawkins winning Brown back in action competing international sprinter Shannon the B string in 1.70m. in multiple throwing events to Hylton winning the A string give her enough points for sec- In both relays the teams were 100m in 11.51 and a great 2nd ond place in the Hannah Cor- second losing narrowly to in the 200m in 23.21 – Beth dell trophy for most individual Birchfield in the 4x100m and Dobbin (Edinburgh AC) broke points scored, behind Shannon then just coming up 1/100th of the league record in beating Hylton. Sarah Abrams and Holly a second short in the 4x400m Shannon (22.84). Krystal Galley Mills both won the long jumps again to Birchfield who went ran a superb new PB for third by considerable margins with onto to win the match with 239 in the 400m with 54.69 and Zara Asante and Allison Wilder points, with TVH last year’s Katy Ann McDonald returned taking third spots in the triple winners second on 203 and to form with a second place jump, while Deborah Martin Blackheath & Bromley a mighty in the 800m in 2.08.20. Jess took 2nd in the high jump with fine third on 195.5. Keene ran seasons bests for 5th in the A string 1500 and Eton Match Result 3rd in the B string 800m, while the remarkable Clare Elms 1. Birchfield Harriers 239.0 – 8pts clocked an impressive 10.14.70 2. Thames Valley Harriers 203.0 – 7pts in the 3000m A string for 4th 3. Blackheath & Bromley 195.5 – 6pts showing a clean pair of heels to many athletes more than half 4. Windsor, Slough, E & H 176.0 – 5pts her half her age. In the sprint 5. Edinburgh AC 173.5 – 4pts hurdles both our athletes broke 14 seconds with Izzie Hilditch 6. Trafford AC 163.5 – 3pts 3rd in the A string in 13.86 and 7. Southampton AC 151.5 – 2pts Annie Davies winning the B 8. Swansea Harriers 125.0 – 1pt string in 13.98. 4

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2nd in the 100m, Immanuela Grangemouth Match Result Aliu and Vivien Olatunji both 1. Thames Valley Harriers 256.0 – 8pts took second in the 200m, and Rachel Dickens ran well 2. Edinburgh AC 207.5 – 7pts for 3rd in the A string 400m. 3. Birchfield Harriers 188.5 – 6pts Mother and daughter Clare and 4. Blackheath & Bromley 187.0 – 5pts Lucy Elms both doubled up in distance events as did Jess 5. Windsor,Slough,E&H 163.5 – 4pts Keene for valuable points, and 6. Swansea Harriers 143.5 – 3pts as usual Izzie Hilditch broke 14 seconds for 2nd in the 100m 7. Trafford AC 139.0 – 2pts hurdles with Annie Davies 8. Southampton AC 136.0 – 1pt again running brilliantly to win the B string. Our international rugby player Shaunagh Brown League Position covered the discus and shot and 1. Thames Valley Harriers 463.0 – 15pts Carys Marsden and Victoria Wiltshire also both doubled up 2. Birchfield Harriers 427.5 – 14pts in the throws, and Zara Asante 3. Blackheath & Bromley 382.5 – 11pts doubled up on the jumps with a solid 2nd in the triple jump and 4. Edinburgh AC 380.0 – 11pts also a good long jump effort. 5. Windsor, Slough, E&H 338.5 – 9pts The ladies were given 2nd in 6. Trafford AC 302.5 – 5pts the 4 x 100m relay but given 7. Swansea Harriers 267.5 – 4pts the same time as the winner, 8. Southampton AC 286.5 – 3pts could have made a difference to finishing third in the match, followed by a comfortable 2nd In view of the fact that we didn’t In view of the distances in the 4 x 400m relay. A nice have an athlete in five strings, involved, invariably any match comfortable 3rd in the league coming third in this match north of the border is very diffi- with one match remaining. with tough opposition was a cult to organise. It’s not just the creditable achievement. That transport and accommodation, As you can see from the match said, I left Eton with the feeling but also the availabilities of the result, we finished painfully 1.50 of what if? We should have been athletes as well as those willing points behind Birchfield. Again able to fill all those positions, to spend a couple of nights away there’s the feeling of what if? That said, I don’t want to take however injuries and athletes from home. Grangemouth was away from the girls what was a preferring to do open meetings no exception. The team had to get the train to Edinburgh, stay great performance. meant we couldn’t. overnight there and then there Saturday 5th August – Saturday 7th July – was an hours coach journey in a westerly direction. Southampton Grangemouth Going into this match, we were Unfortunately, I was unable to Although somewhat depleted, 2.5 points ahead of Edin- make the next match at Grange- the girls gave an outstanding burgh in 3rd place. Given the mouth having booked a holiday team effort and secured 4th distance between Edinburgh before the fixture were an- place. Although individual wins and Southampton, it would be nounced. In view of this, I left it were hard to come by on the easy to think that we wouldn’t to my trusty side-kick Tim Souter day. Modupe Shokunbi and have anything to worry about as to team manage on the day! Parris Johnson took 3rd and Edinburgh will struggle to put Athletics Report 5

a team out. Big mistake! I knew Immanuela Aliu (11.68) and In the rest of the track that they wanted 3rd place as Vivian Olatunji (12.14). Vivian events, athletes competed for much as we did and they would also did well in the A-String every point and doubled up compete all the way. To the 200m. Louise Evans volun- where required. neutral, this was going to be a teered to run the B-string 200m good match. at the last minute and stormed Although there were no wins in to victory with a very good PB the Field, there were still some Leading into the week before of 24.64. very good and solid perfor- the match, we had a very strong mances, Molly Walsh came team, however as we got closer, In the 400m, Rachel Dickens second in the B-string Hammer athletes were pulling out left, and Krystal Galley won the A with a throw of 51.74. Bekah right and centre for a variety of and B-string with times of 54.27 Walton threw 44.72 to finish reasons. Furthermore, we had and 54.84 respectively. second in B-string Javelin. gaps in the team which wouldn’t Sarah Abrams and Mary Adeniji be filled before the match. In the sprint relay (Vivian, came third (5.91m) and second Annie, Immanuela and Louise), (5.30m) in the A and B-String Any doubts I may have had dis- our girls finished first with a long jump. In the Triple jump, appeared during the day as the good time of 47.33 and in the Allison Wilder came third in girls pulled out all the stops. 4 x 400m (Alex Hill, Louise, the A-string (12.13m) and Mary Rachel and Krystal),we finished doubling up came second in the There were two good third a very close second to Thames B-string with a hop,skip and places in the 100m thanks to Valley Harriers. jump of 11.43m. Our ever reli- able high jumpers Rebecca Haw- kins and Deborah Martin came Southampton Match Result third and second respectively 1. Birchfield Harriers 249.0 – 8pts in the A and B string, clearing 2. Thames Valley Harriers 222.0 – 7pts 1.70m and 1.65m. 3. Blackheath & Bromley 196.0 – 6pts Overall, it was a very pleasing performance and credit to the 4. Edinburgh AC 190.0 – 5pts girls for a great effort. 5. Trafford AC 166.0 – 4pts We finished the day in third 6. Windsor, Slough, E&H 156.0 – 3pts place, beating Edinburgh AC 7. Southampton AC 143.5 – 2pts by six points. This meant we 8. Swansea Harriers 120.5 – 1pt finished the season in third place overall – Our joint highest position in the Premier division. League Position 1. Thames Valley Harriers 685.0 – 22pts 2. Birchfield Harriers 676.0 – 22pts 3. Blackheath & Bromley 578.5 – 17pts 4. Edinburgh AC 569.5 – 16pts 5. Windsor, Slough, E&H 495.5 – 12pts 6. Trafford AC 468.5 – 9pts 7. Swansea Harriers 430.0 – 5pts 8. Swansea Harriers 388.0 – 5pts 6

The British Athletics League… 2018 Season

It has been a long time, but this was the season we were promoted back to the division many of us think we belong. In 2019 our Senior Men will be competing in the Premier Division of the British Athletics League, the same level at which we competed in the first season of the National League in 1969, our Centenary Year. I can almost hear late Past President Bob Taylor roaring his approval Dan Puttnam, one of the winning 4x100 quartet at Eton Match One: There were lots of great per- Apantaku was working on the 5th May 2018 – Eton formances but Ethan Brown’s South coast until 11.30. His Thanks to the efforts of Dan 400 topped the lot. A first year train was delayed and Past Pres- Putnam, Phil Sesemann, and Under 20 he ran an outstanding ident Nick Brooks picked him Will Fuller we had recruit- personal best of 47.19 to head up at Datchet station at 2.48 and ed some very useful Higher the National Under 20 rankings whisked him to the stadium so Competition Athletes over and also ran a 47.4 relay split. he could compete at 3.20. the Winter. With a number of Four people broke 48 seconds, a talented youngsters coming high class field. With the match very close, Phil through, our squad had more Sesemann ran away with the depth than for a long time. In Other personal bests came from 3000, Scott Huggins soared over 2017 we were coming out on the Will Ruiz and Lewis Mills in the 5.10 in the vault and we were wrong end of close results. This 1500; Charlie Davis and Dan boosted by a couple of big relay year it all changed and in match Kennedy in the 3000 steeple- results. The fact we were able to one at Eton we were second chase; and Angus Harrington in bring in fresh legs was import- but only 18 points ahead of 5th the javelin. ant. Duayne Bovell returned to placed Sale. That is not a lot in the team after missing all of last a League where if your athletes Both our 800 metre runners year to help the 4x100 to victory win both A and B strings you were juniors. Alex paced his race and Adam Herring travelled score 28 points. well to win in a seasons best and from Norfolk to run a leg of the Angus had a great battle down 4x400 and help us take second. We had individual A string the home straight to get second He was rewarded with a best wins in the 400, Ethan Brown, in the B race. Ben Sutton had ever relay split of 50.4. Jordan 800, Alex Botterill, 3000, a decent afternoon in the long Layne and Toby Olubi ran the Phil Sesemann, Long Jump, jump as did Kelechi Aguocha relays with niggles but it didn’t Tom French, pole vault, Scott in the high jump, Kyle in the show. Huggins and the 4x100 quartet relay, and the other Ethan… In of Duayne Bovell, Dan Putnam, the pole vault Ethan Kitteridge And then there were all our Kyle Reynolds Warmington and picked up four important points other stalwarts, captains Dan Toby Olubi. in the B string. There’s more to Putnam and Alex Pope; Ross come from him, he is only 14! Braden, a rare occasion when he didn’t set a PB, Luc Durant, In the triple jump Rob Suther- Kieran Murphy and Richard land came over from Spain to Holt, as enthusiastic as ever compete and B string Patrick even though he is an M45. Athletics Report 7

Thanks to Jane Bradshaw for her healing hands; Phil Sesemann and Dick Griffin for sorting the t shirts and President Paul Byfield for bringing them over; and to all the supporters who included Chris Haines who ran in the first ever British League match in 1969 and Callum Myatt who will no doubt run for the team in the future.

Match Result 1. Harrow 380 2. Blackheath & Bromley 293 3. Southampton 285 Jordan Laynes ‘niggles’ did not show when running at Eton 4. Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow 277 maximum points in the B string. 100; and Luc Durant was just 5. Sale 275 For the second fixture in a row outside his best with 14.69 in 6. City Of Liverpool 266 we won more A strings than any the shot. 7. Kingston & Poly 241 other club. 8. Herne Hill 142 And then there was Alex “I’ll do Just as thrilling for our sup- anything” Pope competing in porters were B string victories seven of the eight field events, Match Two: for Dan Putnam in the 200 in scoring 35 points and setting seasons bests in the discus, 2nd June 2018 – Portsmouth 21.31; James Habergham in the 800 (he’s competed at nine of long jump and pole vault in the Our team Thursday evening the last ten matches); and Lewis process. Lewis Ely set seasons may have sneaked victory but Mills, 9.51.45 for his debut in bests in the high and triple there isn’t a lot you can do when the 3000 steeplechase. jumps. Ever dependable Jordan illness, injury and life gets in Layne was solid in the 400 and the way. What is worth thinking Others making their debuts 4x400 and Adam Herring again about is how well we coped with were James Lancaster, still travelled from Norfolk to run six late withdrawals. To pull off an under 20 but 2nd in the A the 4x400. It was reassuring to a second place showed the qual- string hammer with 51.16; Alex have six non scoring 100 metre ity and character of the athletes Nwenwu, 4th in the 110 hurdles; runners among whom were we have in our squad and our Josh Schofield, 3rd in the 5000; Camron Lyttle and Shamar great team spirit. Korede Awe in the 4x100; and Thomas Campbell in their There were lots of highlights but Joe Rogers, 4th in the B 400 first appearances for the team seeing Scott Huggins clear- and also part of the 3rd placed this season. ing 5.23 in the pole vault was 4x400 team despite tweaking his literally right up there. Absent hamstring in warm up. Unfortunately after rearranging with injury for some while, his weekend to compete, Charlie Kieran Daly won the 100 and Josh Barber was close to his Davis had to drop out the 5000 200 A strings. Jonathan Ilori best as he ran 9.37.02 for second with injury. He will bounce won the triple jump by over place in the steeplechase; anoth- back. It was great to see Alex a metre with 15.89; and Will er under 20, Ben Sutton, set new Bruce Littlewood back in the Fuller edged first in the 1500 bests of 6.84 in the long jump League, albeit as a non scorer in with Phil Sesemann making it and 11.31 in the non scoring the same race. 8

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Years from now those present It was a great team result with Our other big points scoring will tell of how they were at the some outstanding individual event was the long jump where match when James Habergham performances and some heroic Oliver Newport returned from threw the javelin and Duayne efforts throughout the squad. the States to leap 7.33 for second Bovell launched the discus. Jonathan Ilori, still looking for place and Tom French, in his They will also reminisce of the the qualifying distance for the first competition after injury, occasion when the Club moved European Championships, won jumped 7.24 to win the B string. another step closer to gaining the triple jump with 16.13, the The jumps success continued in promotion back to the top divi- furthest jump by anyone in any the pole vault where our young- sion of the British League. division of the League this year. est pairing of the day George It is the furthest a Club member Pope and Ethan Kitteridge had Portsmouth Match has ever jumped in the League. to cope with their event starting 1. Harrow 355 Rob Sutherland, picked up 2nd an hour and a half late. Both did 2. Blackheath & Bromley 309 in the B string well in the heat and with George 3. Southampton 303 in the A string, Ethan took 4. City Of Liverpool 296 Our other field event win was a second in the B string to claim a 5. Kingston AC and Polytech- little unexpected. Kelechi Aguo- massive 10 points for the team. nic Harriers 240 cha started the season with a 6. Windsor Slough Eton & best of 1.80 and had been mak- The other Pope was also there Hounslow 219 ing huge progress improving to doing what he does best, picking 7. Sale Harriers 218 1.85, 1.90 and then up to 1.95. up point after point for the 8. Herne Hill Harriers 214. He was up against eight athletes team. Alex competed in all who had bests of two metres four throws scoring another 26 or more, six of them over 2.05. points for the team. Not only After Two Matches He beat the lot. He was the only this, he also acted as a chauffeur 1. Harrow 16 (735) athlete to clear 2 metres first for our officials Karen Cosby time and all went out at 2.05. 2. Blackheath & Bromley 14 and Mike Davies, at the age of (602) Judging by his 2 metre clearance another PB is not far away. To 81, who gave up their whole day 3. Southampton 12 (588) to support the meeting. 4. City Of Liverpool 8 (562) add to the celebrations Lewis 5. Windsor Slough Eton & Ely set a seasons best of 1.95 to Accompanying Alex in the finish second in the B string. Hounslow 8 (496) Hammer was Kieran Murphy, 6. Sale Harriers 6 (493) Phil Sesemann completed a a hugely valuable member of 7. Kingston AC & Polytechnic double double. He won the 3000 the team. Angus Harrington, 6 (481) and 1500 at this fixture for the showed his versatility, by throw- 8. Herne Hill Harriers 2 (356) second year running. Will Fuller ing 44.71 in the javelin, not far made it maximum points in the off his best in what were not ide- B 3000 and Josh Barber was al conditions. Luc Durant took Match Three: runner up in the B 1500. a fine third place in the shot and 7th July 2018 – Bedford hasn’t missed a match since he As with last year this fixture was Andy Smith took 2nd in the joined us. The final field eventer the League’s Big Day Out with 800 on his debut for the team was Dele Aladese in the discus. all five divisions competing at and there was a sparkling run Coming back from injury, this the same venue. It generally ran from Angus Harrington in the was the first time he’d thrown well, the track staying to sched- B string as he ran away from the senior implement this sea- ule but some delays in the field. the 800 metre field to win by son. In the last match we scored But the main thing was we won over three seconds. That was 80 one point in the B string. This a match in this division for the points out of 84 in those three time Dele got eight and we won first time in a long time. events. the match by seven points. Athletics Report 9

We were significantly stronger in the hurdles. In the first two matches we scored 5 points out of 56 in the 400 hurdles. Joe Fuggle returned to the team to compete in a tasty A string with times affected by the wind. Alex O’Callaghan Brown made his debut in the B string and gained a fine third place, a great per- formance as he was recovering from a chest infection and had been on antibiotics all week. We had our top pairing in the 110 hurdles with Reece Young gaining 5th in a strong field and Alex Nwenwu setting a seasons best of 15.28 in coming second in the B string. The standard of the steeplechase was the best of the season with Tom French at Bedford overcoming injury to win the B string long jump two athletes under 9 minutes. Richard Webb, who took a 4x400 squad of himself Jordan tumble at a water jump, and Dan Layne, Joe Rogers and Joe Fug- Bedford Match Kennedy, nevertheless, picked gle to 4th place. Jordan had been 1. Blackheath & Bromley 329 up some good points. troubled with injury recently 2. Harrow 322 and Joe Rogers had to visit the 3. Southampton 318 With a few injuries in the medical team after his individual 4. Sale Harriers 308 sprints, we were a little stretched race. The 400s were tough with 5. City Of Liverpool 257 so it was reassuring to have everyone down on their bests. 6. Kingston & Polytechnic 239 the services of Camron Lyttle, 7. Herne Hill Harriers 192 Duayne Bovell and Shamar Winning the third fixture put us 8. Windsor Slough Eton & Thomas Campbell. All three in a very strong position to get Hounslow 180. plus Alex Nwenwu helped us promoted. Interestingly, looking to fourth in the 4x100, having at the table, we were one League picked up useful points in their point behind Harrow who had individual events. 126 more match points. We After Three Matches were four League points ahead Camron timed a useful 10.74 1. Harrow 23 (1057) of Southampton but had only 2. Blackheath & Bromley 22 in the 100. Duayne was not scored 25 more match points supposed to run because of (931) than them. As well as big 3. Southampton 18 (906) an abductor injury but risked victories, we had scrapped and making it worse by turning 4. City Of Liverpool 12 (819) picked up important points in 5. Sale Harriers 11 (801) out. He pulled off a great third B strings. place in the B string and was 6. Kingston AC & Polytechnic under 11 seconds. Shamar ran a Harriers 9 (720) personal best in the 200 despite 7. Windsor Slough Eton & a troublesome groin niggle, and Hounslow 9 (676) Adam Herring was there to run 8. Herne Hill Harriers 4 (548). the B string before helping the 10

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Match Four: 4th August 2018 – Liverpool There is little I can add to what we put on the Club website after the match. Slightly edited here it is. WE DID IT! Our Club, my Club, your Club, have been promoted to the Premier Division of the British Athletics League. This will be the first time we have been in the top division of the mens National League since 2001, an Athletic Promoted to the Premier Division of the British Athletic League generation ago. How fitting that we will be there as we celebrate Ilori has again made a big lent him some loose spikes, Will our 150 years of existence as the contribution this year and a Fuller his spike spanner, and League celebrates its 50th, more week after claiming his National our rising star was ready for so because we were one of the crown he was winning the triple action. He won by 14 centime- six clubs who contested the first jump for us. Not only that, he tres, improved his PB to 2.07 League title in our Centenary also did the long jump. Our and had a good attempt at 2.10. Year in 1969. other champion Jacob Brown His clearance is the equal 7th took second place in the 800 highest across all divisions of We had put ourselves in a strong metres after winning the Mile the League this year. (Oh and chance of promotion as we were the previous weekend. he also got 4th in the B triple). four League points ahead of In the B string Lewis Ely had third placed Southampton, but Our middle distance racked one of those days but still came we still had to finish the job. A up a stack of points with Phil third. He also picked up three tight match between a number Sesemann and Will Fuller win- more points in the 110 hurdles. of clubs and a strong South- ning both strings of the 1500 ampton could have caused some and Will taking to the track We welcomed back two athletes problems. It WAS a tight match just 25 minutes later to win the who won their events at the with just 12 points separating A string 5000 as Ross Braden second match at Portsmouth. the top four teams but the South picked up the runner up spot in Kieran Daly picked up an injury coast challenge did not materi- the B string. James Habergham there, and has barely raced alise. We nicked second place had earlier claimed third in the since, but he answered the call just two points clear of joint B 800 and our two under 20 and sneaked second place in the third placers Sale and the City steeplechasers Lewis Mills and 100 behind a very swift 10.36 Of Liverpool; and were only Joss Barber scored well, (and from Windsors winner Deji nine points behind this years better than in the pre race mini Tobias. Scott Huggins returned champions Harrow. golf the night before!) to the vault and in challenging condition claimed third place It was another great team effort High jumper Kelechi Aguocha before hitting the road to attend with some top class individuals has had an outstanding season. a wedding reception in Scotland. performing at the sharp end and At the last match he shocked everyone prepared to muck in everyone by setting a PB of 2 Also back in the team was and fill the gaps. metres and winning the compe- Louis Mascarenhas with his first tition. Surely he couldn’t do it appearance of the season. He We didn’t have just one England again? Yes he could! After slip- took third in the A discus and champion in the team. Jonathan ping in warm up, Jacob Brown was second in the B shot with Athletics Report 11

“A” string Luc Durant, claiming first 200 of the season. B string To refer back to Kelechi, our third. Kieran Murphy was disap- 200 runner Adam Herring came youngest member of the team at pointed not to pick up a couple for the 4x400 but, struggling Liverpool, YES WE CAN! more places in the Hammer but with a cold, he withdrew having he was there and has made a picked up two points, and In 2019, for the first time ever, great contribution to the team we only secured second place both our men and women will over the last couple of years. in the match by two points. be in the Premier Divisions of James Habergham picked up the British Athletics League and And then there was the Pope, three in the B javelin. Looking the UK Womens League. Alex that is, a legend not only to improve the PB he set at amongst his team mates but to Portsmouth, he started with two The seeds of this years success other clubs managers as well. no throws, and thinking of the in the British Athletics League Omnipresent in the field and at team, launched a safety effort of were sown on the train back the buffet in the restaurant the 2.97. At least he would get one from the final match of the 2017 night before, he did long jump, point, but no, one club had no B season in Manchester. As the pole vault, discus, javelin and string and another athlete in the train left Liverpool Lime Street hammer. He is not only our top same situation as James messed points scorer of the season but up his safe throw. One point on Saturday the journey to the also our number one of all time. became three. 2019 season began. All aboard! I wonder if anyone from another club has scored more than him. The match may have been in The 2019 Season Liverpool but there were Chris Over the Winter months a Back on the track and in the Haines, Nick Brooks, Ken Dan- National Athletics League has 400 hurdles we scored our best iel, Dave Huggins, and Mike been formed with the British points of the season. A blustery Davies (officiating) to provide Athletics League and UK wind meant times weren’t support and advice. Womens League matches taking quick but Joe Fuggle clocked place under this umbrella. All a useful 53.44 for third in the So there we have it, no prima matches are to be joint fixtures. A string and another debutant donnas here, just a bunch of Further to this, it is possible the Richard Morris was fourth in great athletes who recognise two Leagues will merge and the the B despite clipping a hurdle. that personal and Club achieve- League will become joint scor- He quickly got into the spirit ment go hand in hand, and ing as in the Southern Athletics of things by running the 110 some truly passionate Athletics League and the YDL Upper and hurdles. Good man. supporters. We have all enjoyed Lower Leagues. the season and have been lucky Camron Lyttle, still a junior, has to compete against some great So come and celebrate the Club made a massive contribution to clubs and their athletes. We wish 150 Years, and the British Ath- the team over the last couple of them well. years and he took third in the letics League 50 years. It could B string 100 and then joined After steady progression in be the last time you see matches Kieran, Duayne Bovell and Joe the last few years, we achieved in the current format. Dates and Rogers to gain fourth in the what we have because athletes, venues are 4x100. Joe had earlier finished coaches, management, support- runner up in the B 400 with Jor- ers and Club raised the bar to • Sunday 12th May, Swansea. dan Layne 7th in the A and with show we are one of the top 10 • Sunday 9th June, Allianz Joe Fuggle and Jacob Brown senior male track and field clubs (Copthall that was). they were fourth in the 4x400. in the country. Having secured • Saturday 6th July, Sheffield. promotion the challenge is • Saturday 3rd August, Alexan- Duayne Bovell was under 11 in now to raise that bar further to der Stadium, Birmingham. the non scoring 100 and then become one of the top six teams put himself forward to run his in the country. Can we do it? Pat Calnan 12 Nothing Succeeds Like Success… The Junior Men 2018

The 2018 season was a par- ticularly memorable one for the junior men’s team and certainly one of the most successful in living memory. The previous season had seen us overtake Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, a team that have been as dominant on the men’s’ side for the past decade as our B&B junior women have been on theirs. That meant start- ing the summer as favourites to achieve our goal of retaining our national title, but also carrying the pressure that comes with being the number one ranked junior The 4x4 team’ s time of 4.17 was the fastest by a B&B junior squad for squad in the country. 20 years men recorded 16 A-string wins. 800m and Kelechi Aguocha Victory at Reading We were particularly dominant in the high jump, while for the The season started well, the in the middle distance events U17s Ollie Briars impressed in side having been bolstered by winning both strings in 800, the 400m and there was a con- some excellent first year under 1500, 3000 and the ‘chase at vincing win for the 4×1 team. 17s that had come through the U20 level. At U17 level one of ranks added to a handful of the highlights of the day was a Dead rubber at Shaftsbury talented new second claimers. fine win in the 400 hurdles by The final group match at Shaft- The first match, away in a chilly Oscar Heaney Brufal (who also esbury came in the middle of set the fastest U17 time in the Reading saw a dominant B&B summer holiday season and was clinch victory by more than country for the season so far), although star performer was essentially a dead rubber. Sadly 100 points. A-string wins by the aforementioned unbeaten Ollie Bright (3000m) and Ben probably Pedro Gleadall who record finally came to an end. Hawkes (SP) on their squad took A-string wins in Pole Vault, debuts were highlights as were discus and the javelin (with a A depleted squad, many of double A-string wins for Har- 61m PB effort). whom were having to double or rison Thorne (HJ and SP). The even triple up in their events, day ended on a high with a huge Winning streak at Eton battled hard but ultimately were win in the 4×4 for the U20 lads. Match 3 saw the club’s junior overturned by the home side athletes maintain a winning by just 10 points. Wins were Total domination at home streak that stretched back three hard to come by but Ethan seasons and that helped ensure The second match was on our Brown, recent winner of an U18 their place in the national final home turf and not surprisingly European silver medal, took the produced one of our most dom- for another year. Unlike the - inant performances of the sum- home fixture, the match at 200m and the U20 sprint quar mer. The total score of 869 was Eton was close however, with tet anchored by Camron Lyttle a league record, overtaking the injuries and absences beginning took the 4×1 win. Performance record we had set in the same to take their toll. Just a handful of the day went to Kelechi who fixture the year before. Spurred of A-string wins included PBs leapt to a huge 2.06m win in the on by home support, the junior from Angus Harrington in the high jump. Club Athletics 13

Admirable acquittal in Castellon Finally the big day came. The first time ever that both junior men and women’s squads from the same British club have represented the country in the European Clubs final. For the B&B junior men it represented a massive step up in class against the top 8 clubs in Europe, many of them with pockets far deeper than our own and squads littered with full internationals. Ethan Brown producing his trademark surge to take victory in the 400m. For the entire squad though, including the travelling reserves, Collecting the trophy at Reynolds-Warmington (U17 the whole weekend was an Bedford 100/200), Pedro (PV and jave- amazing experience both on and The national final at Bedford lin) and Ben Hawkes (HT and off the track and one that all saw us pitted against teams from DT) as well as countless other will want to do again next year Rugby & Northampton, Bath, wins and great performances. in Portugal. Glasgow, Edinburgh and our Against the best teams in the North London nemesis Shaft- UK the B&B boys amassed an Despite the shocking weather esbury. On paper it looked like astonishing 18 A-string wins in Castellon the squad acquitted themselves admirably, cheered the junior men could have a real and 11 B-string wins. All that on by coaches, family and club fight on their hands if they were was left was for captain Matt to retain their title and gain the supporters in the stands; and Knight to collect the trophy and by others back home watching opportunity to represent GB in the celebrations could begin. Europe for another time. Com- on Eurosport. There were three terrific 2nd places for Alex eth the hour as they say…what Success throughout the season happened next has to go down O’CB (400H), Angus (800m) was thanks to the entire squad and Ricky Lutakome (1500m) as one of the most remarkable of around 80 committed athletes and just two wins on the day. performances by the squad in a ranging from internationals Ethan Brown produced his very long time. to those stepping up from trademark late surge to take victory in the 400 and he later Across every event the B&B parkrun, as well as the support returned to anchor a win with lads were immense, battling for and encouragement of their dedicated coaches, family and Ollie, Ricky and Oscar in the every point with real determi- 4×4. Their time of 3:17.51 was nation and showing a fantastic other supporters. It was never going to be easy selecting just 20 the fastest by a B&B junior team spirit and sportsmanship squad for 20 years and put them throughout the day. From the or so for the trip to Spain and for the many athletes that had second in the national rankings very first event when Alex (to the GB squad). In the end we given their all for the side but O’Callaghan Brown and Josh were just 4th by a single point Watson took both string wins weren’t on the plane, ultimately but nevertheless a performance in the 400 hurdles it was a a huge disappointment. Their of which the entire squad can dominant performance. There chance will come if they contin- be proud. were double A string wins ue to perform as well as they did for Ethan (400/200), Kyle this season. Rod Harrington 14

The Masters Summer 2018 Maz Turner reports Machado-Costa made her debut 15th June 2018 – Norman In 2018 both the Men’s and the as a Blackheath and Bromley Park women’s teams were in the first Harrier at this match. She com- At our home match in Norman division. Only 5 of the 6 matches peted in B String 200m, 4x100 Park on 15/6 we had 9 men took place as the first match at relay, and W35 long jump; Sara and 10 women participating. In Sutcliffe Park was cancelled at Elmqvist ran A String 1500m, the men’s match Daniel Marks the last minute because of an 4x100 relay and threw discus; competed in A String 200m, amber weather warning. Un- Maz Turner covered W50 200m, M35 high jump and shot; Luca fortunately no alternative dates W50 long jump, W50 discus and Ercolani in B String 200m could be found. The Team Man- W60 1500m. and B String 1500m; Gareth ager was away for this match and Evans A String 1500m and M35 Anne Cilia had volunteered to Both teams finished in 6th javelin; Rob Brown M35 2000m cover so many thanks go to Anne position. walk; Clem Leon M50 200m, for informing all Blackheath and M60 high jump (1st); Tim athletes in time. 25th May 2018 – Tonbridge Nash M50 1500m and M50 The 2nd match was on 25/5 at 2000m walk; Stephen Langdon Tonbridge. This time we had M50 high jump and M60 javel- 14th May 2018 – Ashford 6 men and 6 women. The men lin; Richard Coe M50 snot and Our first match was held at the competing were Daniel Marks – M50 javelin; Tom Phillips M60 Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford A String 100m and 200m, 4x100 200m (1st). on 14/5. We had 7 men and 4 relay and M35 long jump; John women. John Turner ran in the Turner – B String 100m, M50 They finished 4th in the match A String 200m with 535k in his 800m, M50 high jump and shot but, sadly, still remained in 6th legs having just completed a 6 position overall. day race in Hungary. He also putt; Adrian Stocks- B String ran in the B String 1500m and 800m and 4x100 relay; Tom threw the discus for M35. Our Phillips – 4x100 relay and M60 other competitors in the men’s 100m (1st); Stephen Langdon team were Luca Ercolani who – 4x100 relay, M50 100m, M50 ran A String 1500m and 4x100 javelin and M60 shot; Andy relay; Tim Nash in the 4x100 Kingsmell- M35 shot and relay, M50 1500m and M50 long javelin. jump; Clem Leon in 4x100 relay, M50 200m, M35 long jump The women’s team were Louisa and M50 discus; Tom Phillips Vallins – A String 100m; Jo 4x100 relay; Peter Hamilton Machado-Costa – B String M60 1500m; Richard Coe M60 100m (1st), 4x100 relay,and W35 discus. Sadly we had no one to javelin; Marie Cartwright, a run in B String 200m as they new member, – A String 800m, were delayed by traffic. 4x100 relay, and W 35 shot; Maz Turner – B String 800m, W60 In the women’s competition 100m, W60 shot and javelin; Louisa Vallins ran in the A Zoe Kingsmell – 4x100 relay, String 200m and made her W50 shot and javelin; Helen debut in the B String 1500m. Godsell – 4x100 and W50 100m She was also in the 4x100 relay (1st). but was unable to run in the Clem Leon and Siamese twin final leg as Maz stumbled and Men finished in 6th position getting ready for the three fell at the start of the 3rd leg. Jo and women in 5th. legged race Athletics Report 15

The women’s team finished 5th debut in W50 3000m, W50 high The 5 women managed to cover in their match and remained in jump, W50 triple jump (1st); all the events and finished 3rd in 5th position overall. Louisa Val- Barbara Terry W50 hammer; the match giving them an over- lins ran the A String 200m; Car- Helen Godsell 4x400 relay. We all position of 4th so they will ole Pennington A String 1500m; finished 5th in the match and remain in the 1st division this Sara Elmqvist B String 1500m, 5th overall. season. Jo Machado-Costa A W35 shot; Anne Cilia W35 String 100m, 4x200 relay, W35 2000m walk, W35 pole vault, 16th July 2018 – Medway high jump, W35 long jump; Maz W50 javelin; Jo Machado-Costa Park Turner B String 100m, 4x200 W35 javelin; Jackie Montgom- The final match was at Medway relay, W60 long jump, W60 ery W50 200m, W50 2000m Park on 16/7. Both the men’s discus, Sara Elmqvist A String walk, W50 pole vault (1st); Zoe and women’s team were facing 800m, 4x200 relay, W35 discus; Kingsmell W50 1500m; Barbara relegation. The team of 8 men Sarah Belaon B String 800m; Terry W50 shot; Helen Godsell did their best but remained in Jackie Montgomery 4x200 relay, W60 200m (1st). Maria Cart- 6th position overall and will be W50 100m, W50 800m, W50 wright ran the B String 200m competing in the 2nd division high jump, W50 long jump (1st) but was unable to finish due to a this season. Luca Ercolani A and W50 discus. severe muscle pull. String 100m, A String 800m, 4x200 relay; Stephen Langdon B Thanks go to… 2nd July 2018 – Dartford String 100m, 4x200 relay, M60 …all the competitors many Our penultimate match was long jump; Tom Phillips M50 of whom competed in lower on 2/7 at Dartford. We had 10 100m (1st), 4x200 relay; Andy age group categories to ensure men competing: Daniel Marks Kingsmell M35 long jump; those essential extra points were A String 400m, 4x400 relay, Eugene Lawlor M35 discus; gained. Many thanks as well to M35 triple jump; Tim Nash B Tim Nash M50 800m, M50 long John Turner for his amazing String 400m, 4x400m relay, jump; Mark Ellison M50 discus; help, encouragement and sup- M50 3000m; Alex Gibbins A John Turner M60 800m. port at all the matches. String 3000m (1st); Gareth Evans B String 3000m, 4x400 Maz Turner relay; Clem Leon 4x400m relay, M50 pole vault, triple jump and hammer; Alan Hardy made his debut in M35 pole vault and Eugene Lawlor in the M35 hammer; Tom Phillips M50 400m; Rob Brown M60 3000m (1st). Despite pulling out all the stops the men’s team finished 5th on the day remaining in 6th position overall. There were 5 women at the Dartford match. Carole Pen- nington ran in A String 400m, A String 3000m, 4x400m relay; Maz Turner B String 400m, 4x400 relay, W60 3000m; Jackie Montgomery 4x400 relay, W35 hammer, W50 400m, made her Zoe Kingsmell in action 16 Spoiler Alert! Our Girls (and Boys) are National Champions Again

The timetable bears only scant It’s been another fine year for our resemblance to that used during Junior Athletes and we arrive the regular season, but variety at Bedford in early September to is the cinnamon of life, and we defend our National titles, once begin the day’s campaign with more, as Southern Premiership the long jump. It could hardly be Champions. The future looks better for us but no chickens are bright, that is, if there is a future. being counted. It’s not a great At last year’s YDL AGM a day for jumping (or most other resolution was proposed to cancel events) with a blustery wind the Finals until future notice on making its presence felt. With financial grounds. After much her first jump in the U17 pool, discussion, the resolution was Funminiyi Olajide, fresh from deferred for a year in order to her English and Schools Games enable the League to demonstrate victories, produces a solid mark Bekah Walton attempting to that sufficient savings could be that, while a little below her break the 50m barrier in the made to make subsequent finals best, no-one else comes close to Javelin viable. Which is why we’re in matching. Jade Oni and Mary McDonald (along with Issie Bedford with only 5 other teams Adeniji (a double Cambridge Hilditch and Immanuela Aliu) and not 7 – there’s been no paper Blue this summer) are suitably has already left for a college match and, thus, no Windsor, inspired and share the spoils in life in the US, but Jess Keene which has to make life easier the U20 event. Maximum points steps in to take second in the for us – and the call room has in the first event. Perfect! And, U20 ‘metric mile’ with Sabrina been dispensed with, but last with a smile on our faces, it’s off Mannes, Lily Tappenden and year’s message has got through to the hammer, where Victoria Jess Neale all producing bronze and there will still be medals. Wiltshire, for once, isn’t finding medal performances in their Fortunately, most of the athletes too much to smile about, but events. And there are more are blissfully unaware of the with new member, Molly Walsh, good points in the 100m as Par- Sword of Damocles suspended proving a danger to low-fly- ris Johnson and Team Captain, over the competition and are able ing aircraft in launching her Anastasia Davies, both take 2nd to focus on contesting another implement out to 52m, we have places and Katia Cienciala is Finals Day. another win and a silver medal 3rd in the U17 to maintain the for Victoria as well. And there’s momentum. more good news to come from The propensity of fate the pole vault where Lois War- Rising to the challenge We must be the bookies’ favou- den wins the U20 and Ellie Bar- Back out in the field, there’s rites, but there is no place in our rett and Zoe Austridge complete a bit of a scare with Hannah sport for bookies and we know the clean sweep in the U17s. Macaulay having had traffic better than to take anything for problems and arriving just as her granted: 2013 remains a blot on Long hurdles haven’t been our first event, the shot, is starting. our escutcheon and fate has the strongest track events of the Completely unflustered, multi- propensity to be outrageous if summer, but Steff Fisher and eventer and ever-reliable Lauren you let it. Shaftesbury ended the Grace Scopes (at the beginning Farley rises to the challenge, Premiership season strongly so of a busy day) emerge with silver winning the U17 A string with we know we have to be on song and bronze medals, respectively, Hannah warming up as she goes from note one. in the U20 and Holly Platt has and coming through to win a fine win in the B 300H to the B string and Anika Olalere take us into the 1500s with a completing another clean sweep spring in our step. Katy-Ann Athletics Report 17

with a win in the U20. And so to the 400s, for which we have high hopes. South of England champion, Louise Evans, has had a fine first season with the Club and it’s about to get even better with a convincing win, backed up by Grace, with anoth- er medal, this time silver, in the B race. It’s almost a repetition in the 300m with SIAB champion Holly Mpassy winning and Natasha Bennett taking bronze in the B string. And they’re no sooner off the podium than our two 80m hurdlers, Ruby Bridger and Zoe Austridge, are stepping up to receive a silver medal apiece. Yasmin Austridge on her way to a silver medal and new Steeplechase Last year we got the Final off to record in Castellon a great start with two firsts and a runner-up in the javelin. Can tion. Bekah improves her PB more hurdles out on the track we replicate that this year? Not once again and fails by just and it’s time for our indoor and quite, but Bekah Walton and 6cm to reach the magic 50m outdoor National champion and Eloise Locke are the two best target. But it’s nevertheless a Team Captain to show us how throwers in the U20 competi- CBP! Meanwhile, they’ve got it should be done. If it’s possible to stroll to a sprint hurdles victory, Anastasia does just that. An honourable mention also for U17 Ella Brown, who rises (quite literally and more than once!) to the challenge to take bronze in the B string. In the U17 3000m we repeat this result, so almost a White-wash with Ava winning and Zoe in 3rd. Bethany Panton moves up an age group to win the U20 B string.

A clean sweep in the stee- plechase It had to happen at some stage and if it was going to it would probably be in the High Jump, Natasha Bennett moving smoothly to a 300m bronze at the YDL final in which, it has to be said, we’ve at Bedford struggled for most of the season: 18 Athletics Report

Continued

we finally have a sub-par event, following her earlier 3k!), U17 battle round for bronze and the but all is not doom and gloom, National and School Games U20s (Grace, Megan, Yasmin all three girls contribute and winner, Morgan Squibb, and and Louise) send us all home Alice Prentice comes away with Ellie Osmond. happy with a dominant, winning a bronze. But we’re quickly back performance. Our athletic day into our stride in the 200m: Retaining the title is done and now we must wait Parris picks up another medal in A bronze medal and two silvers for the final results. We’re more 3rd while Megan Walsh wins the in the discus from Carys Mars- than quietly confident and not B string and Holly completes den, Anna Barnett and Hannah at all quiet when it’s announced the flush with 2nd in the U17. Macaulay lead us also into the that we have retained our We’re off on a roll again and final field event of the day, the National League title by the looking forward to a strong triple jump. Jade adds another remarkable margin of nearly 150 finish, which kicks off with a win to her good day’s work and points and that we’ll be off to second place from Iyata Santos Karina Harris is pre-eminent Europe again next year, with the and a B string win from Ava in the B string. And it’s relay boys, in our 150th year. White in the U20 800m, while time. (Where has the day gone?) Amy Miller wins the U17 sup- In the sprint relays, the U17 Before then, we have 6 days ported by a 2nd from Lucrezia team come a fine second and before our season finale in Polloni. You may think that you the U20s, with a new combo Castellon. Work still to do! But, can’t do much better than that, – Mhairi Brooks, Anastasia, in the meantime, on behalf of but you’d be wrong and, in the Megan ad Parris – as a result all the girls, our thanks, as ever, last track event before the relays, of Transatlantic absences, still to everyone who has been with we produce a clean sweep in the bring us home where we’ve us and helped us on our journey steeplechase courtesy of English grown used to being for some this season. Schools champion, Yasmin time now for a great win. In Austridge, Lucy Elms (on debut, the longer relays, the U17s Tim Souter

Immanuela Aliu Lucrezia Polloni Hannah Macaulay Zsiriah Thomas Yasmin Austridge Yinka Shokunbi Parris Johnson Morgan Squib Daisy Dowling Katia Cienciala Millie Smith Mhairi Brooks Megan Walsh Ellie Osmond Lois Warden Ofejiro Otomewo Jess Sellar Madelina Samoila Louise Evans Ruby Bridger Bethany Paton Holly Mpassy Annie Davies Jess Keene Katy-Ann McDonald Grace Fullerton Ella Brown Natasha Bennett Issie Hilditch Karina Harris Grace Scopes Funminiyi Olajide Holly Platt Amy Miller Victoria Wiltshire Jade Oni Iyata Santos Alexadra Kelsey Jess Neal Lauren Farley Rebecca Hawkins Eloise O’Shaughnessy Anika Olalere Charlotte Kerr Lily Tappenden Zoe Austridge Mary Adeniji Lucy Elms Eloise Locke Zoe White Sabrina Mannes Zoe Martial Molly Walsh Magda Cienciala Carys Marsden Morgan Squibb Ava White Alice Prentice Charlotte Faries Steph Fisher Anna Barnett Kamiyla Robinson-Pascal Sophie Hoare Ellie Barrett Eva Stephanou Amy Leach Bekah Walton Titobioluwa Akinrele Athletics Report 19

Third Time Not So Lucky For our Junior Women in Castellon First to have to brave the Out in the field, Hannah Ma- We like it in Castellon. This will elements is Rebecca Hawkins caulay would have had to throw have been our third trip in seven in the high jump. Luck of the a big PB to finish any higher in years. The sun always shines and draw? Not much. Although the the discus than she does, but the food is recognisable. And our precipitation eases off during she is competing against girls record here is good: our previous warm up, it comes back strongly two years her senior and more visits in 2011 and 2016 both once the competition starts, to progress will doubtless mean produced third place finishes. But such an extent that it triggers more points next year. Then we this trip proves to be a little bit the crash of the system feeding experience our first disappoint- different, to say the least. Not all the infield scoreboards, ment of the day: Parris Johnson only are we accompanied by the making it extremely difficult, succumbs to cramp nearing the Boys (who will no doubt provide not only for the competitors, finish of the 100m. Her day is their own, first time, take on but also for spectators to follow done and our already depleted proceedings) but, on the big the competition. Rebecca battles sprint relay team is left with only day, it rains and it rains with a on regardless to finish in a tie Anastasia from the squad that vengeance – mainly on the plain for 2nd and a good start to the started the season. my aspidistra! (What have we match. Meanwhile, Victoria Over to Jade Oni in the triple done to deserve this? Which had Wiltshire is faced with a wet circle in the hammer but, using jump to lead our fightback. also been a recurring question Improving with each of her four during the build-up to the event, all her experience, ensures she masters the conditions and pro rounds, she does just that and as we lost not one, nor even two, - duces some solid throwing, just secures another fine 2nd spot, but three of our best athletes to missing out on 3rd spot. while Louise Evans times her colleges in the US.) We, of course, finish in the 400m to perfection, look for the positives: this should Moving to the first track event overhauling everyone but the make us feel right at home. But of the day, the sprint hurdles, Turkish winner, to replicate this we didn’t come to Spain to get Anastasia Davies, our Team position. In the 800m, despite rained upon (though at least it’s Captain, has tough competition going with the pace at the bell, warm rain). from the World Juniors’ finalist Iyata Santos runs out of legs from Fenerbahce and, with a and has to settle for a battling true skipper’s performance, 6th place. With events coming comes very close to beating thick and fast, we’re soon into her, finishing in a fine 2nd the 400mH, where Steff Fisher’s place. Moving swiftly on, the lack of competition at the back non-scoring 100m race proves end of the summer means she’s to be a rather select one. Mary never really in the race, which is Adeniji, despite running in her probably one of the most com- jumping spikes, leads the field petitive of the afternoon. home and, although it delivers no points, her win is well received. (Something clichéd could be observed here about momentum, but let’s just say it reflects our promising start to the match.) 20 Athletics Report

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Time, therefore, for another year, but, despite a season’s best, The standard seems to increase fightback, but points are be- unfortunately, can’t replicate in this event year on year and, ginning to be hard to come by. those performances this year in a number of previous years, Ellie Barrett extends her recent and, for the first time, finishes this team would have finished run of good performances in out of the medals. on the podium. But such is the the pole vault (being held in the challenge of this competition indoor warm-up area due to the That leaves the final field event and it shouldn’t be forgotten inclement weather – oh to have of the day, the long jump. And that we’re up against the best in that option at Norman Park!), we’ve saved the best ‘til last, Europe. As a result of our great but even equalling her previous with Funminiyi Olajide, who is YDL performance, we have the week’s PB wouldn’t improve on another to have had a successful chance to do it all again next her 5th place, a performance be- summer (during which, as a U17, year. Can we keep the team ing equalled out on the track by she has leapt over 6m more than together for the entire season Amy Miller in a tactical 1500m once) and wins by a comfortable and climb back up the rankings race. With Hannah again facing margin. We have a gold medal in 2019? We’ll certainly do our strong opposition in the shot, at last! But no time to celebrate best, as always. we need a strong finish and we yet: her day isn’t over as she’s need it now. straight back out onto the track, In closing – last but by no with hardly time to change her means least – on behalf of the Bekah Walton has been deliver- numbers, to lead home the rest team, our thanks to all those ing outstanding performances of the 4x100m relay team, now who made the whole trip all summer and is focussed on consisting of Louise, Anastasia possible: our sponsors; those ending her season by break- and Megan, in a very respectable who gave donations (you know ing the elusive 50m barrier in 2nd place. It’s a fairly remark- who you are!); those who raised the javelin (which she’d just able performance for a scratch funds; those whose advice and missed out on when breaking squad. support enabled the athletes to the championship record in the perform; those who helped with previous week’s YDL Final). Can we go one better in the travel arrangements; those who Sadly, that will have to wait until 4x400 and finish with a bang? supported the team; and, the next season, as she again comes The Czechs are always strong members of the management within touching distance, and and must start as favourites. team. See you all again next just misses out on the win to the And the Turks are, well, the year, wherever we may be. defending, Turkish champion. Turks and not to be under-es- Another silver medal. Next up timated. After great runs from Tim Soutar and stepping down in distance Megan, Grace Scopes and to 200m, Megan Walsh has a Yasmin, we’re in contention, but fine run and, although given the from Louise’s first few strides same time as the third-placed it’s obvious she’s in trouble: her athlete from Sparta Den- back has gone into spasm after mark, she’s adjudged to finish the sprint relay and she bravely 4th. To compensate, another struggles through the pain to silver medal is soon on its way ensure we get the baton home. courtesy of Yasmin Austridge, So there’s not to be a fairy-tale who shatters the Club Junior finish and we find ourselves and Senior 2000m steeplechase out of the medals in 4th, a records in the process. And commendable performance so to the final individual track and close , but, as they say, ‘no event. Jess Keene has won the cigar’ (and, more importantly, 3000m at these championships no medals). twice and was runner-up last Athletics Report 21

The Mini Olympics for English Schools Birmingham 12th and 13th July 2018 The age groups are divided into the final of the long jump. Rico Blackheath and Bromley HAC three with junior (school years 8 Cottell (John Blackie) had a athletes were all over the 88th -9), inter (years 10-11) and senior difficult time in the hurdle heat English Schools track and field (years 12-13), with the added ex- hampered by a leg injury and championship, held over two days citement for the inters of the top would have qualified comfort- in glorious weather, at Birming- two finishers being automat- ably injury free. Peter Guy (Ni- ham’s Alexander stadium. ically selected to compete for gel Stickings) earned his right These “mini Olympics” attracted England in the following week’s to compete for London schools the best young athletes from home international. and ran hard in the heats, just all of England’s counties from missing out on a place in the Cornwall to Northumberland Inter boys finals. Matthew Francis (Nigel and Kent to Cumbria and all Oscar Heaney Brufal (coach Roy Stickings) sliced over 3 second inbetween not forgetting the Dickens) fresh from represent- Channel Islands and the Isle of off his personal best in the 1500 ing Gibraltar in the European heats (4:00.58) to qualify for the Man. A massive number of over U18s Championship, took his fifty BB athletes were selected final where he finished 8th. Ben opportunity well to win the for their schools counties but Gardiner (David Liston)ran well were often hard to spot as they 400m hurdles, earning himself in his first English schools fin- were sporting the not so familiar another international vest. ishing 9th in the tough 1500m colours of their counties. steeplechase. Ollie Briars (coach Jay Galley) ran superbly to claim silver in Inter girls the 400m (new PB of 49.04) The inter girls also had the and will also collect his England prospect of an England vest if vest ready to compete next placing first or second and Holly Saturday in Grangemouth, Scot- Mpassy (Jay Galley) ran superbly land, in the home international. to claim silver and an England Multi eventer Harrison Thorn call up. (Carol Jackson) jumped a new massive personal best and first Hannah MacAulay (Herbie time over 2m, clearing 2.01 Kuenstlinger) was at her best in the high jump, will also be in the discus collecting a fine rewarded with an England vest. bronze. Morgan Squibb (Andy Pedro Gleadall (Neil Gleadall) Frankish) ran a committed was just outside the medals 1500m Senior steeplechase in coming 4th in the Javelin, taking it out from the gun and throwing 57.22. Oliver Bright with four athletes still it at the (Nigel Stickings) ran brilliant final straight Morgan did well and bravely to secure a great to place third, winning a great 4th in the inter 1500m. Kyle English school bronze. Ava Reynolds Warmington (Phil White (Phil Kissi) ran well in Kissi) ran well through the heats 1500m final placing 5th in a of the 100m sprint placing 4th very competitive race. Eleanor in the final and dipping under Barrett (John Wakeman) con- 11sec running 10.98 in the semi. tinued her good form placing Myles Xavier (Paul Patten) equal fifth in the pole vault, her picked a fine time to do a PB highest English schools placing 6.61m, finishing a high 5th in and Lois Warden (Gordon John 22

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Lillis) was equal 7th, with five Junior girls Senior boys girls finishing with the same Zakia Mossi (Phil Kissi) ran Fresh from his silver winning height of 3.25. Multi eventer with the confidence of being European U18 travels, senior Lauren Farley was below her number one in the county and boy Ethan Brown (Lloyd Cow- best in the javelin but adds this she led her 800m final from an) set about his English schools English schools to her previous start to finish, winning by a campaign with real style. A solid javelin and shot competitions clear 2 seconds, very impressive. win in the heat followed by a at this level and must now look Naomi Toft (Phil Kissi) also well-paced run to secure gold forward to the up coming En- made for the 800m junior final in the final, well-measured and glish schools combined events. despite the qualification being impressive to watch. Lewis Mills tough with only 1st in each heat (Dave Liston) had a superb run Junior boys and 4 fastest loser qualifying. in the senior 2k steeplechase and In the junior boys age group Naomi was 7th in the final. Lara ran hard down the final straight Amir Sultan Edwards (Phil Mannes (Phil Kissi) did well to securing a brilliant English Kissi) looked superb in the heat qualify for the championships schools silver. Ben Sutton (Paul and final of the 300m as he and ran in the tough qualifying Patten) chose a great time to PB smashed the Championship best heats placing. Kate Price (Phil in the long jump and this was record going under 35 for the Kissi) ran close to her PB in the good enough to place a great first time (34.81) also dragging heats of the junior 1500m qual- 4th. James Lancaster (Michael the silver placed athlete under ifying for the final where she Davies) was 6th in the final of the previous record. This time was 10th in a very fast final. In the senior hammer and was places Amir on top of the All fact it was faster female 1550 of disappointed not to been over time list in the 300m. the weekend, quicker than both 60m as he has been consistently the inter and senior girls races! doing 60mplus this season. Jacob Byfield (Paul Patten) Emily Kerr (Rose Bennett) did jumped liked a seasoned pro to very well qualifying for her first Senior girls claim a brilliant English schools English schools, in her first year Immanuela Aliu (John Blackie) silver in the triple jump much to in the age group and ran well had a double gold ESAA the enjoyment of dad, BBHAC in the 200m, but wasn’t able to champs winning both the president Paul Byfield. Dillon qualify for the final. Any disap- senior girls 100m and 4 x 100m Claydon was a little down on his pointment was soon lifted by a relay. Immanuela comfortably best in the discus placing 6th super anchor leg in the 4 x 100 won her heat in 12.00 before in the junior discus but going relay heat that brought the Kent taking victory in the final in forward will use this great ex- team in first, easily qualifying 11.85. Yasmin Austridge (Nigel perience. Barnaby Corry (John for the final. Emily helped Kent Stickings) took an early lead in Wakeman) did really well quali- to a good 5th place finish in the the senior 1500m steeplechase fying for the English schools on final. Ellie Dolby (Andy Frank- and was soon joined by GB the last day of qualifying and did ish) ran determinedly from the International from Somerset, himself proud in the final clear- start of her 1500m heat despite playing cat and mouse for two ing 3.20m, placing a solid 7th. having the countries number laps. Yasmin seemed finally to one in the race, but tailed off have run her rival down when towards the finish and missed the Hampshire girl came past at out of qualification for the final. pace just before the final water Shakanya Osahon (Jay Galley) jump. With just 120m and one ran near to her best in the junior barrier to go Yasmin was a few 300m but with tough marks to meters behind but still looking get into final, she just missed good, only for the Hampshire reaching the final. girl to hit the barrier hard and Athletics Report 23

fall to the ground creating an place finish, jumping just below other obstacle for Yasmin, that her best. Stephanie Fisher (John she was fortunately able to Blackie) placed 5th running for negotiate! A final sprint to the Surrey in her heat of the 400h line for victory slicing 4 seconds but unfortunately didn’t prog- off her previous best. Jade Oni ress to the final. (Mark Chapman) had a great series of jumps in the senior Second claimers triple jump and finished fourth, A few of BBHAC second claim agonisingly only 1cm behind athletes also competing includ- bronze. Bekah Walton (Dave ing Rebecca Hawkins (John Turner) had another great jave- Bancroft) 2nd in the senior high lin competition winning great jump, Theo Adesina 2nd in silver, less than 1m behind her the inter long jump, Funminiyi rival. New recruit Molly Walsh 3rd in the inter long lump, Ben was a good 4th in the senior Hawkes 3rd in the senior ham- hammer throwing over 50m and mer, Ricky Lutakome 5th in the last season Kent school’s captain senior 800m, Ruby Bridger who Victoria Wiltshire (Michael Da- progressed to the 80m hurdle vies) a few meters off her best semi final and Korede Awe who placed 9th. Louise Evans (Carlo pulled a muscle in the semi final Monticolombi) had a busy and of the 100m. successful weekend running a new personal best in the 400m Senior girl Katy Ann McDonald final breaking 55sec for the (Phil Kissi) would have been first time (54.92), less than 0.2 attempting to win her first second off a medal. This was track English schools title but after 400m heats and semi final was selected for the World U20 and a leg in the 4 x100m relay Championships and this trumps heat. Louise didn’t go home the ESAA! Kay Ann had superb empty handed as she helped her U20 world Championships com- Kent team win gold in the relay. ing 7th in the final but running Megan Walsh (Roy Dickens) a fantastic new personal best also had three hard 400m in two (2:03.20) in the heat taking her days negotiating the heats, semis to the very top of the rankings. and final and should be pleased with her efforts resulting in a Postscript 7th place finish in the final. The English schools can be Eloise Lock (Mark Chapman) a pressure pot for our young was a couple of meters down athletes to compete in and some on her best nursing an injury feel the massive pressure while but place 8th in the javelin final other seemingly shrug it off but and still has next year in the age all of them will gain loads from group. Another with next year their experiences. in the senior age group is Karina Paul Austridge Harris (Paul Patten) and she will look to better this years 13th 24

The U13 and U15 boys and girls UK Youth Development League 2018 Match One: and running the 3rd leg of the 2017 was a great year for our 21st April 2018 – Bracknell relay. Star also competed in the young athletes and despite only The U13 boys team was made high jump. coming 2nd in the Southern up of eleven boys of whom premier league, we went on to nine were making their track Marley Byfield started his perform superbly in the final, club debuts. Ethan Alapafuja, BBHAC career well, despite placing 2nd overall, just 3 a relatively seasoned campaign- being in the shadow of his small points behind National er having competed all last father, our new Club President! champions Sale Harriers summer, had a busy day placing Marley drew the attention away from Manchester. So, this year 2nd in a fast 200m and also ran from his dad with a great run expectations are high, but with the 100m sprint and anchored over 100m clocking a fast 14.85, a good number of our athletes the 4 x100m relay team. Ethan a great first 3.52 long jump and unavailable due to their selection just about had time to squeeze the lead off leg in the relay. Max for the London boroughs mini in the high jump as well. Kennedy and Finn Kitteridge marathon three mile champion- Another experienced U13 is were our burly throwers on the ships (an event that doesn’t affect Oles Chaban and he showed his day and with them both still our rivals) the day was always range running the tough 800m at primary school and having going to be tough. But on the pos- less than an hour after sprinting two years in this age group, the itive side we were lucky enough to the 200m and also ran a leg of future is looking good. Max and have last year boys winter team the relay. Finn matched each other in the captain Marco Arcuri on hand The rest of the squad were all javelin and shot put sharing the to help and inspire, due to his making their club debuts and all spoils with Max getting the edge University’s ridiculously long end performed well in tough compe- in the shot and Finn getting of term break! tition. Jonny Ellerton had a busy the edge in the javelin. Archie day clearing the eight barriers Whitehead mad a great debut that make up the 75m hurdle winning his 800m in a new best race and was rewarded with a time and sportingly did the long personal best time. Jonny then jump competition when asked at ran hard in the 100m sprint but short notice. slightly twisted his ankle ruling him out of the relay. The U13 boys and girls results, along with the U15 boys and Zach Mathews -Mansour ran girls are combined and gave us a brave 800m leading from the 3rd on the day behind Reading start but said afterwards that he AC and last years Southern had gone off too hard. However, champions Southampton AC. his time sees him heading the Blackheath rankings. Arthur Starvis and Alex Middleton took on the 3 and 3/4 lap 1500m race and both competed well, work- ing hard in the middle part of the race, both clocking new per- sonal best times. Judah-Pharez Star Osahon, know to us as Star completed his first race over the challenging hurdles before sprinting the individual 100m Athletics Report 25

Match Two: Rayhan Mourtada showed great Marley Byfield had a busy day 19th May 2018 – Norman Park form running two new personal sprinting, long jumping and Round two of the UKYDL was best times in the 100m and running the top bend in the 4 x our home fixture at a beautifully 200m and Ethan Alapafuja also 100m relay. Another busy ath- sunny Norman Park and we sprinted to a new best time in lete was Max Kennedy putting took full advantage, winning the the 200m and scissored his way the shot, throwing the javelin fixture and propelling ourselves over the high jump bar, just just short of his best and then to the top of the league table. below his best. admirably filling the high jump At the end of round one, the vacancy and claiming a new initial result placed BBHAC Jamie Sears had his 1st club race outdoor PB for his efforts. Finn in third, but after the results of the season and shows great Kitteridge continues his fine were officially scrutinised by promise finishing less than a form in the throws, darting the the league, we were elevated to second off his last years best in a javelin close to his best and put second. New league rules this very competitive 800m. the 3kg shot further than before season mean that only the top for a nice new PB. two clubs from our Southern Oles Chaban committed well Premier division will qualify for early on in his 800m race and Alex Middleton and Harry the National final in Bedford in held on to a great 3rd place and Burgess both made their com- September, making every match running a season’s best time. petitive 800m debuts and both result crucial. After a relatively performed well giving them a slow start at Norman Park the In the very competitive 1500m, great start to the difficult two team soon started massing in brilliant sunshine, Oscar Wit- lap discipline. points on a large scale, comfort- combe ran bravely and was re- ably winning by 30 points but warded with a massive 6 second The final event for the U13 more importantly putting us personal best and Arthur Starvis boys was the 4 x100m relay on top of the league, after two was equally impressive knocking and the team were led off by rounds. two-seconds off his best. Dylan handing to Rayhan on two passing to Marley on three The U13 boys squad of fourteen Jonny Ellerton continues his and finally to Ethan to run the competed superbly with most improvement shaving more time baton home, posting a season securing new personal bests and off his bests competing over the best time. the others just a whisker from hurdles and on the flat in the their bests. 100m sprint. Another personal The BBHAC team is made up best was achieved over the hur- of U13 and U15 boys and U13 New to the squad and making dles in the form of Star Osahon and U15 girls and many fine his BBHAC debut was Dylan slicing a further 0.3 sec off his performances were made by Carroll and what a day he had. previous best time. many of the athletes but the Dylan began his day winning highlight must be from U15 boy the 100m in some style and a Amir Sultan Edwards who ran quick time, good enough to 35.54 for the 300m. This not place him in the top 30 in the only breaks the very strong club country. Dylan then used his record but also now ranks Amir speed to launch himself a long at the very top of the National way into the sand recording a rankings. great 4.54m personal best in the long jump. 26

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Match Three: Max Kennedy had his usual First of the debutants was Mike 17th June 2018 – Reading busy day earning great points Sudolski and he showed his Last weekend BBHAC U13 and in all three of his events, the speed clocking a fast 100m PB U15 boys and girls travelled to javelin, the shot and high jump. and ran a great bend in the relay. Reading for round 3 of the UK Star stepped up to take on the Next “newbie” was Draven youth development league and challenging 800m and Jonny Paulsen who also showed great had a fantastic day, winning also sprinted the straight in the pace in the 100m and our third overall and now sit comfortably 100m. athlete making his debut was at the top of the league table also a sprinter in the form of with a clear gap between us Match Four: Timon Thomas and all three and second placed Reading AC. 21st July 2018 – Hornchurch are a great addition to the U13 Avoiding a match day disaster at After a hot, sticky day at the in- squad. the final league fixture on 21st timate Havering track it seemed July we should now have booked as though BBHAC had won Oscar Witcombe’s great training our place in the National finals their final UKYDL fixture only ethic is paying off as he sliced in Bedford on Saturday 8th to hear hours later that we had over 6 seconds off his 1500m September. finished 2nd to Reading by the best, but more impressively smallest of margins, half a point! smashed the 5 minute barrier The U13 boys once again per- clocking a fast 4:56.4. In the formed well helping the team to 1st Reading 542.5 points same race Arthur Starvis a superb victory. The day started 2nd BBHAC 542 points showed his maturity as he ran a with the hurdlers and a new 3rd Havering 524 points well paced race and was reward- personal best for Jonny Ellerton 4th Tonbridge 480.5 points ed with yet another personal in the A string and another solid 5th Southampton 453.5 points best, great running. run from Star Osahon in the B. 6th Bracknell 410.5 points More PB’s for Dylan Carroll in Jamie Sears ran in his normal the 100m and long jump, Ethan This disappointment soon determined style and should be Alapafuja in the long jump, Ar- passed on the realisation that well pleased with his great new thur Starvis in the 1500m, Oscar Blackheath and Bromley were personal best time of 2:28.7. Witcombe in the Javelin, Jamie Southern Champions and so Also good to have Archie Sears in the Shot and Rayhan now go into the September Whitehead back in the team, Mourtada in the high jump. National final, where we have having missed some of the a great chance of competing season through injury, running a Ethan had a busy day also run- for the honour of becoming solid 800m. ning both sprints and the relay. National champions. The U13 Marley Byfield sprinted well in boys once again played their Ethan Alapafuja had a busy day, the 100m and ran leg 3 in the 4 part in the U13 and U15 contest running a quick 200m, jumping x100m relay. Oles Chaban con- but this time the squad were over 4m in the long jump and tinues to race well over the two bolstered by three boys making running leg 4 in the relay in lap 800m as did Jamie running their club league debuts. what turned out to be a season’s just outside his best. Oscar had best time. Noah Cooper was another gutsy run in the 1500m equally busy, sprinting hard to gaining more valuable racing win the B string 200m, put the experience. Rayhan added to shot the furthest he ever has his high jump PB by leading out and contributing to the season’s the relay team taking on leg 1. quickest clocking by the relay Dylan finished his day on the team. last leg of the relay clocking a season best time for the team. Athletics Report 27

Rayhan Mourtada, still on a UKYDL National Final: high following Frances World 8th September 2018 – cup victory ran a PB over the Bedford 75m hurdles, ran the tough The money raised at our home 800m and led the 4 x100m relay fixture directly helped our team off. Star Osahon also ran young athletes going to Europe over the hurdles, clocking his this year and also, to help fund 2nd fastest time ever and he also the weekend trip to Bedford for ran the 800m having a private the National finals. battle with Rayhan, finishing just a second behind. The Blackheath and Bromley HAC U13 and U15 boys and Max Kennedy had a double girls team excelled in Bedford personal best day staring with a over the weekend, coming a new best in the shot going over fantastic 2nd in the UK youth 6m for the first time, followed development National final, just by a near 2m improvement in a few points behind Southern the javelin. Max’s third event rivals Reading. The U17 and of the day was scoring more U20 athletes went one better points in the high jump. Finn winning their final and also Kitteridge scored a 100% PB earning the right to represent effort over his two events, Great Britain in the European first in the high jump clearing Champions Club Cup in 2019. 1.25m followed by another 2m improvement throwing the Many thanks to the officials javelin 27.48. and volunteers who help make all matches run smoothly and Youngest in the squad, Marley special thanks to those helping Byfield celebrated his birthday out at Norman Park on the having a great day sprinting well BBQ, cake stall and 2nd hand in the 100m and jumping well kit sale stall. in the long jump, just short of his best. Paul Austridge We go into September’s final as Southern Champions and with our full squad fit, healthy and competing we must surely be in with a great chance of success. 28 The Southern Athletics League 2018 A season of outstanding success

Our final league position was Match Two: As we embark on the 2019 second in our division finish- 20th May 2018 – Battersea track and field season I wanted ing one league point behind A month later we headed to to share some reflections on our Chelmsford although with more Battersea Park which somewhat performance in the Southern league points. All in all this was bizarrely was the home match Athletics League in 2018. The an outstanding performance for Chelmsford Athletics club. SAL team comprises male and from the team as a whole, more This was out most difficult female athletes with anyone in of which later! match of the season as we were the U17 age category and above For those of you who weren’t impacted by a combination of being eligible to compete. We are aware, I took over the running exams on some of the younger in division one which covers the of the teams from John Wake- athletes and other events which whole of the south of England man and Mark Purser who had depleted the team. Despite this which sits about two division set a high bar by finishing sec- we still managed to finish the two leagues (east & west) and ond the previous year. With this match in second place 13 point three division threes(north, east in mind we went into the first behind the eventual league and west) match with some trepidation winners and 19 points ahead of and an eye on the extremely Belgrave Harriers with 10 A and high bar they had set. B string wins over the course of the day. Match One: Highlight of the match was 18th April 2018 – Norman Caelan Raju beating Will Shar- Park man over the 110mh (Caelan’s We started with a home match first time at the event)! and had a terrific turnout, ending up winning the match with a massive 253 points which left us 52 points ahead of 2nd place Crawley. A great way to start the season with terrific performance across both the track and field where we won 18 of the A string events and 20 of the B string events as well as all of the relays. Special shout out has to go to Isabella Hilditch who won female athlete of the match for her outstanding performance in the 100mh. Athletics Report 29

Match Three: Match Four: Match Five: 23rd June 2018 – Norman 14th July 2018 – Colchester 18th August 2018 – Eton Park On to match 4 at sunny Col- This drove us on to the last Smarting from the defeat we chester. It was a slightly unusual match at Eton hoping that we moved on to the third match day where all of the blocks were would be able to do enough back at Norman Park and locked away and inaccessible… to get the win and hoping that against three other members of except for those being used by Chelmsford would slip up. the British Athletics league – a the home club! This was added Once again, we put out a strong really tough ask. A lot of time to by a call from the men’s mid- team and worked hard to get was spent getting the athletes dle distance squad who claimed the win by one point. A series ready for this match and it really to be on their way to Windsor! of outstanding performances paid off when we finished first Not wanting to be left out, on the day including another again with a total of 233 points, Carole thought it would be fun great series of throws by James 23 ahead of City of Norwich. to join in who told me she was Whiteaker in the javelin with There were many highlights at on the train to the same place! a winning throw of 75.27m the match, 11 A string wins, A “slightly flustered” team (enough for athlete of the match 14 B string wins as well as manager went back to check this time!) and an outstanding winning all of the relays. This all of his emails to understand performance by Annie Davies included an amazing series of how he could have made such a in the 100mh to win athlete of throws in the javelin by James catastrophic mistake to realise the match. We had tried hard Whiteaker with a winning he had been well and truly to get Isabella to come along throw of 72.49m (not enough “had”. The good thing is all of to compete on her way to the to win athlete of the match!), the athletes arrived. airport as she left the UK to and female athlete of the match This was an extremely tight study in the US but Chris didn’t for Isabella Hilditch (again). match where we came second seem too keen on the idea! This was capped by an amazing by a single point to Colchester I would like to personally thank performance in the women’s 4 x which effectively handed the every single athlete, official and 400 where a quartet of Krystal, league to Chelmsford. We had supporter who contributed to Rachel, Megan and Holly 15 A string and 17 B string our success in this league – we smashed the club and league wins on the day contributing would not have achieved what records. A great way to cap an to the highest second place we did without you all! extremely competitive day of points total all season and the athletics. seventh highest points total in Nick Swatton all division one matches but not quite enough to win on the day. The team manager walked away from the match reflecting on the one or two places where we might have eked out an additional point but realising there was nothing that could be done about it. 30 The Parris Handicap Series 2018

The April race was won by Rob holding his lead narrowly over The monthly handicap race Brown followed over the next Steve Evenden, Heath Griffin series started in 1993 when a 5 months by wins for Hugh and father and son team Tom decision was made to hold a race Haffenden, Anita Evenden, and John Leeson. Steve gained in place of the usual Ted Pepper Tom Leeson twice in June and a narrow lead next over Rob 10km which was cancelled from August, and Maz Turner. The with Tom moving into the top the early May bank holiday. A fastest man over the course three in July, but it was Tom’s replacement race was held instead was Marco Arcuri in a time of continued improved effort in on a Wednesday in the late sum- 17:24 and the fastest lady was the fifth race which pushed him mer. It became in 1998 the Roy Amy Peach in 19:35. The course up to first place and in position Parris Memorial Handicap, record remains at 15:13, which to take the series with a six point club member and social runner was set by Barry Stephenson in lead over Steve. Roy Parris having died of cancer June 2004. that year and in his memory the In the last race the top places annual Parris Handicap was At the end of the series the over- were taken by outsiders, but then established. all winner for 2018 was Tom Tom managed another decent Leeson who has been a regular performance to stretch his lead competitor in these events in and win the Shield comfortably After there had been a few recent years so very well done by eight points over Steve who unofficial winners an official to him. deservedly clinched second trophy, the Parris Shield was place. Third on the podium presented to its inaugural win- His performances steadily was Heath Griffin who at nine ner Mark Ellison, and over the improved over the course of the years old attained an impressive years a succession of runners of season with times ranging from follow up to his second place varying abilities have claimed it 31:32 to 26:35. Interestingly for last year. The pack of five after a series of six 5k races held enough his net time improved in remained well ahead of the rest in the months from April to each race from one event to the of the field in the final placings. September. next over the six months of the series. Apart from the first two There were plenty of tight It is a testament to the success races, his placings in the individ- finishes and as with last year the of this race that in 1993 the ual races were, always thereafter, Leesons went head to head for maximum number of runners in the top 4, including two wins the finishing line. They were in any race was 19 whilst 34 dif- and a third place. separated by 3 seconds in June ferent runners took part in the and went even closer in August series. This year between 10 and The early lead was taken up by as Tom Leeson beat his dad 24 runners turned out for each Rob Brown who after winning John (again) this time by only 1 event and 48 different runners the first race was comfortably second. There was another very made at least one appearance ahead of Steve Evenden after tight finish in the April race during the summer with 4 of two events with the eventual when Rob Brown and George them completing all 6 races. winter Tom Leeson some way Collins were also separated by a We had several regular juniors behind after an average start. margin on 1 second. taking place and its always great However his first of two wins to see them turning up putting in June moved him up to join in creditable performances. the leaders who now started to dominate the rest of the series. For the second half of it, a lead- ing pack of five runners steadily moved away from the rest of the field, with Rob Brown still Athletics Report 31

It is always the aim of the hand- One of the big highlights of the should be the focal point of the icapper to achieve the objective 2018 series were the barbeques club’s week. of all of the runners returning that Deniz Mehmed and Gareth within a small time-band. This Griffin arranged for every These events could not take year the narrowest interval be- Wednesday night of The Parris place without volunteers so tween the arrival of the first and Handicap. These proved to many thanks to our Time Keep- last finishers was 2 minutes and be enormously successful and ers Mike and Terri, Recorders 36 seconds in the April event. attracted not only the runners Steve Hollingdale, Denise King In the other events the broadest but also non-runners and guests and Peter Lovell and of course time-band was 8 minutes and 43 alike. Deniz and Garry have my wonderful wife Sheila who seconds in the June race. already indicated that they will takes the entries and helps run these events again for the calculate the winners at the end The event generated about 2019 event. Not only is the of the evening. £400 profit although more was catering first class but our bar originally raised before the profits increase considerably on The first race of the 2019 series organisers bought new trophies these nights! When concern is will be on Wednesday 10th April for the first, second and third being expressed about the de- at 7.15pm. overall finishers. clining attendance on Wednes- day evenings, the barbecues Richard Griffin provide a welcome boost of popularity and numbers in what

Runners waiting nervously before the start of a race in Teipegs Lane. 32 Running for more than just goody bags… Reflections on the London Marathon Supper 25th April 2018

27 with only 1 finishing under first half of the marathon but For those might have read 3 hours. The falling number of said he could see other runners certain editions of the Courier finishers reflects the now pre- suffering even at the half way and the Gazette in recent years, vailing difficulty of obtaining point whilst remarking “it’s hell you may well remember certain a race place and there are other out there”; Tracey Ashenden write ups of the annual London events to be run if runners seek described people collapsing Marathon Supper, a light better times in smaller fields, and being given oxygen by the hearted evening during which but this year it was the weather emergency services, whilst a individual runners who had conditions which affected fellow runner exclaimed that completed the event gave their many runner’s performances next to the Marathon de Sables own snapshot recollections in and targets. this was the hardest run she had which they spoke in turn about ever done. The club’s runners their experiences of the day. The True the weather on the days were not exempt from suffering evening is itself an entertaining leading up to and on the day themselves; Peter Tucker whose affair of course, perhaps second of the marathon itself was performance won him the only on Wednesday evenings to unseasonably hot and this was club marathon championship the Christmas Supper, and since not lost on those who ran. On a complained of a stretched calf its revival in 2001 it has become deeper level certain conclusions at 23 miles, and pulled his ham- a well established evening in the could be drawn from those who string later on; for him it was club social calendar. recalled their race experiences. damage limitation. Dave Beadle described the second half of the Firstly the performances were race as horrible, and Paul Ker- However on attending this significantly slower from ekgyato was forced to stop for a year’s evening on the 25th of previous years. PP Dick Griffin while due to heat exhaustion. April, the occasion seemed in his 37th ‘London’ said he had to have more poignancy than just jogged around, whilst his However there were more pos- other previous ones. The event erstwhile training partner Dave itive aspects of the race. Most is still well attended as new King on his 278th marathon were running for charity raised faces appeared in the club and found he was an hour slower impressive sums; Will Brind- new interest had been gener- than the previous year. Will ley raised £3,600 for arthritis ated in marathon running by Brindley’s performance was research, Zoe Kingsmill raised runner young and old. This is speedier although five minutes £2,000 for Juvenile Diabetes ironic because the numbers of down on the previous year, but fund, Paul Kerekgyato raised club athletes training for and he did observe that he was 2,000 £1,4000 for his chosen charity, running the London Marathon places quicker possibly due to and the grand old timer Stan appeared to be in steady decline the field having slowed down. Ridgewell raised £3,167 for a over the last 15 years since the As it was only one runner Peter Charity started by an Afghani- guaranteed entry scheme was Tucker managed to break three stan War Veteran. scrapped in favour of new ways hours and even he,running from of offering race entries. the champions start considered On the other hand some run- his time of 2 hours 30 minutes ners were able to overcome the In the heyday of the club’s disappointing. Most finishers, heat to produce some highly de- involvement in the marathon, all but 2, ran in times of over 3 cent performances; Zoe King- there were over 100 runners and a half hours. smell beat her own personal best competing in club colours; in by 34 minutes, and Jenny Neal 1991 the club was represented Then there were cases of at 3 hours 41 minutes (the fast- by 103 runners, 19 of whom suffering due to the conditions, est woman) managed a few fast broke the three hour mark. This as noticed by our runners. Steve miles and remarked that later on year the number of finishers was Evenden was on pace for the in the race with the heat appreci- Feature 33

ating, she overtook several other preparation and sensible attitude administrators has given way championship runners. Steve which is sadly missing in many to new ones, and now many Evenden, despite earlier travails other runners these days. familiar faces in the Marathon’s was able to manage a sprint fin- management have moved aside ish. Paul Kerkgyato in his first Some years ago in 2011, Colin to allow another generation to London Marathon come in in 3 Poole observed at a previous come forward whose inheritance hours 33 minutes, and found the London Marathon Supper is to maintain the standards set experience ‘surreal’, so a number that those Blackheath runners by their forebears, and to take of experiences were surprisingly completing the marathon were the events, on into the future. positive. to be commended for their professional approach to it, In time this generation will fill On the whole most of the praising those who had trained the space left by the past one Heatherns running had positive properly for the event, hydrated although they face challenges experiences of this ‘London’ be- sufficiently, and had bothered made by the very success of the cause they had firstly prepared to pace themselves for its entire event itself. The sheer size of the well for it, and secondly had duration. “You’ve finished it operation and numbers running the good sense to adapt their because you’ve treated it with in the event is testament to that expectations to the existing respect and you’ve treated it success, but it must face an in- circumstances on the day. Paul correctly”. He further men- flux of newcomers to marathon Kerekgyato could point to his tioned a higher than usual drop running, many of whom may achievements in the Bennet Cup out rate due to exhaustion and not have always actually paused which he had recently won and dehydration from those who to consider the whole meaning the training which allowed him simply hadn’t read the advice of commitment to training, to prevail over the heat, whilst literature or treated the mara- sound preparation, or taking the Dave Beadle mentioned the thon seriously. One ‘Blackheath’ event seriously. For many of the helpful training and speed ses- runner in last year’s race was sions of Dave Liston at Norman clearly shocked by seeing some more traditional class of runner Park as a key factor allowing runners who were after only five the decline availability of places runners to rise to the occasion. miles unable to muster even a for serious and committed light jog. runners is a serious matter and One aspect of good preparation it is no longer a race solely for was undoubtedly the capacity of Colin for many years one of the the clubmen and women, nor is runners to be able to pace them- management team in the Help there the same quality through- selves and if necessary to adapt Desk is as much an authority as out the field of participants as to conditions. Many runners did many of the names associated there was in the marathon’s ear- just that, one of whom had came with the event from its founders lier days. Mike Peel commenting into the marathon on the back Chris Brasher and John Disley on this in Athletics Weekly of only two weeks training. He to Dave Bedford and Allan Sto- expressed a view that there rather sensibly settled for a time rey. Chris Brasher’s brainchild were fewer quality or competent of 4h 35 minutes, and was con- of the family of man and a race runners and more dilettantes tent with that knowing he could designed for true runners, espe- running for charities on little or do better next time. A similar cially the traditional harrier vari- virtually no training. time was recorded by marathon ety has seen many changes over vet John Turner, running sensi- nearly forty years of its existence Being a former marathon run- bly and at times with Peter Rog- and has by improving its format ner myself and one who tended ers who decided just to enjoy over that period become one of to do things by the book be it the day aware of the conditions. the great sporting success stories the Complete Runners Guide or Clearly all Blackheath Harriers of modern times. A founding Runners World, I would echo respected the marathon by good generation of organisers and such a sentiment since I feel that 34

Continued

Mike Peel’s medals, ever present for the first three decades in the London Marathon. the days of the London Mara- Having not run the race since ered to be of more good natured thon being run by experienced 2001 my efforts have been temperament than other sports sensible runners with adequate mainly centred around the four such as cycling. Now a small fitness and a fair understanding day gathering known as regis- but growing element are clearly of challenges seems to belong tration in the days immediately showing no sense of propriety, to a different age. It seems con- leading up to the race itself. I’ve or consideration, and displaying signed to the past by a variety always considered in the past an inflated degree of entitle- of factors such as the influx of that registration has been a gen- ment. If like me you found dilettantes, and by the tendency erally enjoyable affair, signing in yourself placed in the final of many people today to ignore hosts of amiable, well mannered desk on the conveyor belt, the the printed advice sent to them and congenial people who are goody bag distribution point, or not use their common-sense with positive values, all keen you might encounter a hoard of in matters of training and prepa- to run and grateful for what avaricious individuals, grabbing ration. They certainly don’t do we did at registration. It could the bags without waiting to be a relaxed and pleasant time, offered them, and then tossing things by the book! One encour- manning the issue desks with then aside when they saw what aging thing in dealing with this your clubmates, not particularly was in them, is that the marathon organisers arduous work and plenty of time have for several years now been to wander around the Expo and At this point I wish to say that holding public sessions at the take in the mounting atmo- despite my consternation at Expo which include lectures and sphere of excitement building the way the London Marathon multi-media events which give up to the marathon itself. has changed in shape and guidance to participants on how character, this consideration is to ‘do’ the marathon properly. Perhaps this in not something not meant to be a criticism of Let’s hope that such attempts to which was planned but the the way it is now organised but educate the masses do not fall atmosphere has subtly changed really a lament for a time long on stony ground. even though runners are consid- past and a culture which seems Feature 35

under threat, as an unwanted marathon fraternity, particularly efforts. It was a comfort for by-product of increased profes- those unused to the lifestyles me to serve such good folk as sionalism and commercialism. of the more traditional runners the Turners, Dave Beadle, and It’s probably inevitable that the and their presence should not others who came to collect their event would become more of a be execrated. It’s a bit like the goody bags. These were given business and a highly efficient BBC Proms Season changing to those who presented their machine, in the way that the to embrace a wider audience running numbers at the counter Olympics moved on from by including a greater variety and in a lot of cases they had being a bastion of amateurism of musical styles; purists will already been creased, spoiled or to an institution striving for need to get used to audiences part mutilated by being dragged excellence. I don’t blame the applauding between move- out of the bottom of some vast ‘management’ as such who have ments in piano concertos and reticule as if the individual had the best interests of the mara- symphonies. thon at heart, and accept that no sense of its real value. How- it has continue to maintain its If the running community ever those from the Blackheath position as the leading marathon is increasingly infected by a Harriers or any other reputable in the world, as well as ensuring loutish culture the marathon athletics club presented their that it can continue to attract the organisers cannot realistically numbers, undamaged and world’s finest athletes. be expected to legislate against in pristine fashion as if they it, but clubs such as ours can in believed them to be the pages of Maybe in lamenting a lost past their own way act as beacons of sacred scripture. For them it was I sound like an old testa- good form and propriety even if the number and not the goody ment prophet bemoaning Blackheath’s influence in terms bag which had real value, but this metamorphosis but I do of numbers might be declining. the way that the masses treated have concerns about it as an Blackheath Harriers can set a there numbers you’d think that increasing number of runners good example to others in the it was the cheap tat which held are disposed to be fiercely way it respects the marathon and their attention and not the seri- competitive, or inclined to bad shows commitment to training ous business of running the race behaviour. There have of course and preparation, and attitude to which really mattered. in the past often been those who fitness not as a driven obsession have displayed behaviour which which dehumanises mankind There may be many who will is highly unacceptable (such as but is there to make us whole run the marathon once and it relieving themselves in people’s and balanced human beings. never really changes their lives gardens along the route, and Our great asset in the athletic or character, but for others it being offered places through world is that we a diverse collec- should be a catalyst for improv- guaranteed entry but not putting tion of individuals with a variety ing the quality of their existence. the work in). of qualities and characteristics What it means in essence that in which should make Blackheath Then again if more people are an attractive club to join but also running marathons, or any race being inspired to run marathons to be accepted in. for that matter we should be this should not be discouraged looking to become a better per- and London Marathon should Amidst the slough of despond son than the one we were yester- be applauded for being a major that I seemed to experience day or what we were before that. enabler in this progress. No one whilst giving out goody bags Run the race properly and at the wants to see the marathon de- to the ‘swinish multitude’ there end of those 26 miles you’ll gain cline and fade away due to lack were welcome moments of hope rewards far more permanent and of interest. If it keeps its place when I recognised the familiar of value than one of those tatty as a major sporting event it will faces of ‘Heatherns’ coming goody bags. be inevitable that a new wider to collect these trifles, and to ex- field of runners will join the press their appreciation for one’s Wilfred Orton 36 Doing England and Great Britain proud in Queensland and Berlin Dina and Adam at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships 2018

wealth Games at a senior level Now in Australia she was ready Having graduated in 2017 and she opted not to double for the competition. Firstly the from London University with upin the sprints, competing in 200 metres. She qualified by a 2:1 History degree Dina only the 200m. She chose the winning her heat and finishing Asher-Smith in 2018 could Gold Coast over Birmingham, second in the semi final; in the concentrate on her next objective, which hosted the World Indoor final, Dina ran brilliantly for the Commonwealth Games in Championships in March. She a bronze medal with a time of the Gold Coast in Queensland, admitted to wanting to do both 22.29 beating Olympic champi- Australia. “I have finished but she wanted the opportu- on Elaine Thompson into 4th university which is one stress out nity to do the Commonwealth place, and finishing only 2/10th of the way, even if I did love it” Games because it had “a lot of of a second behind the winner, she remarked. “The impending pedigree to it. It is an oppor- Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas. doom of dissertation and exams tunity to hone my skills, learn Having normally been training has gone and my foot is no longer more and race against the fast- at this point in the year she broken so that worry is gone, est in the world, which is what I “just wanted to get (myself) out too.”. love doing.” of the fourth and fifths and make it”. She was also able to put two In building form for the years of injuries behind her after Gold Coast she posted some Later in the week Dina ran in being hindered by a hamstring impressive performances in the England’s 4 x 100m relay team injury in 2016 and a broken foot run up to those games. At the running a strong second leg the following year. This year she Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow giving England an unassail- faced a different kind of chal- in February, she clocked two able lead going into the last lenge that of needing to reach a sub-7.10 seconds 60m times leg which was run by Lorraine peak of form relatively early in for the first time in a one-day Ugen a former B&B athlete to the year. “You have to remem- meeting and finished ahead of anchor the team to winning ber that in a typical European Olympic 100m and 200m cham- gold medals, where they won season you peak in August” pion Elaine Thompson and gold in a time of 42.46 seconds, she said “around the European world 200m champion Dafne beating one of the favorites, Championships and the Dia- Schippers her long standing Jamaica. mond League finals this year… rivals. In the final, Asher-Smith It will be interesting to see if we was a narrow second behind can all be at that point in April. Marie Josee Ta Lou. Then in Hopefully we can have some March at The Sydney Grand fun and do England proud.” Prix albeit against weaker opposition she won the 100m This was because she was in a time of 11.24secs and a heading to the Gold Coast, week later won a 200m in 22.90 where she would compete in the into a headwind at a meeting in 200m and 4x100m relay, Dina Nathan Queensland. could draw on her experience of winning a Commonwealth youth gold in 2011 to give her confidence in the Gold Coast. This was her first Common- Club News 37

The next objective would be And there was more to come Although in danger of being in the European Championships in the 4 x 100M relay. It was Dina’s shadow for much of the in Berlin, and she set about the the first time that Dina had year Adam continued to show task of gaining selection for it. run an anchor leg but she did fine form throughout the sum- In the Diamond League events so with devastating effect for mer leading into the European in June Dina clocked 10.92 the British team, taking over Championships clocking 20.21 for a new 100m UK record in the baton in fourth place. She in Oslo in the 200m. At the finishing second in the Oslo cruised past three other athletes British Championships he won event, and went on to win the to easily bring the team home a silver in the 200m in 20.26 Stockholm 100m in 10.93. Her first and by some margin to narrowly losing out having led selection for the Europeans earn her third gold medal of until the final few strides. was secured at the British the championships. Championships in Birmingham However he would save his in July when she broke the Meanwhile Adam Gemili con- best for later at the European championship best performance tinued to make steady progress Championships. Moments after with a clear win in the 100m from his own injury setbacks of the women had secured their in 10.97 for her third sub 11 previous years although 2018 victory in the relays, the men’s 4 second clocking of the season. would bring for him mixed x 100m relay teams were on the She rounded off this pre-games fortunes. He was anxious to track and with Adam running campaign at the Diamond compete in the Commonwealth the third leg. Right from the League Anniversary Games Games and like Dina was aware gun the Great Britain quartet in late July with a season’s best of the challenges of having to were in pole position and poised of 22.25 even though she only peak early in the year. “You to take the lead when Adam finished fourth. don’t want to kill yourself” he took the baton. A powerful said. “It [the Commonwealth leg from him put them into a And so on to Berlin where Games] is quite an early season comfortable lead and ensured Dina was competing in both thing; it changes the prepara- that they won the gold medal sprint distances this time. She tion. You have to try to run fast from South Africa and Jamaica. smashed her own UK record in April and then really try to For him the cloud of the Gold with 10.85 and became the run fast in August at the Euro- Coast in April would have a joint fastest women in the pean Championships”. gold lining. world this year when she won the European 100m title, thus At the Gold Coast however his Wilfred Orton becoming the first British hopes were not realised. Adam woman to win this event qualified as second fastest since 1962. Then in the 200m athlete for the Commonwealth she ran arguably even better Games 100m final in 10.11 but beating Dafne Schippers into had to be withdrawn with an second place smashing her abductor strain on doctors’ ad- own British and club record vice, which meant then he could and dipping under 22 seconds not also be part of the England for the first time with 21.89 team in the 4x100m relay. He such performance being the revealed after the race – which world fastest this year by a was won by Jamaica’s Yohan female athlete. Blake – he had been struggling with a thigh injury. 38 The Club AGM 24th March 2018 …passing of resolutions for the proposed Development of Norman Park Community Sports Facility

said the major costs were going Denis Lawrie asked about the A meeting having been held to be around £3,100,000 of staffing arrangements at the by the Directors on Thursday which the build costs would new facility at Norman Park 15 March 2018 at which the be about 2,400,000. To meet and was told that the club architect and building contractor the overall costs there was an would use some volunteers if had presented the plans for the agreement for the contractor that proved possible but had development of the Norman to buy the Bourne Way site for budgeted for a number of full Park proposal, for club members £2 million. To make up the time employees. As in resolu- to discuss those plans, several total there are cash reserves in tion C, this would be covered resolutions were presented at the club of about £150,000 and by the ability to employ staff on the club AGM on the 24th funds in the Jack Sims Trust the premises March. If such Resolutions which were £350,000 but are Chris Haines asked about the were approved the plans would now somewhat less in the light confidence of the Director/ be presented to the Council the of recent falls in the Stock Ex- Trustees that the contractor following week and it was hoped change. The company has also would honour his word and that approval of these would be got the offer of a £250,000 loan pay the promised £2 million forthcoming by July when an facility from the Charity Bank. for the Bourne Way site. It was order would be placed for the steel noted that we had spoken with The Business Plan has been required for the building which a number of the very substantial put to Bromley Council and will be acquired by the company. sporting organisations which It would then be necessary to independently verified by them the contractor had worked enter into an agreement to sell the and approved. A pessimis- with in the past and with some club house to release the funds to tic assessment of the annual of which the contractor had acquire the steel and begin the surplus is £70,000 and over a continuing relations. That was a construction work. 25 years cycle the company will very clear indication of his bona have to provide for the renewal fides and if he let down Black- of the track at a current cost of It was anticipated that building heath Harriers he would suffer £600,000 and building main- work at Norman Park will begin considerable damage to his, tenance costs, over the same in August with completion in currently, very high reputation. period, of £250,000. An annual Spring 2019. The fit out will Roger Beswick raised the surplus of £70,000 leaves a be a major operation and all possible threat of compulsory members of the club were en- significant margin compared purchase by the Council of the couraged to offer their help in with those costs and even if the Norman Park site as had hap- terms of time and expertise. the surplus were to be no more than pened to a local football club. company had applied to HM £35,000 that would still provide In response it was noted that Revenue & Customs (HMRC) the necessary funds for track the company would be granted for the construction work to be renewal and building mainte- a 125 year lease by Bromley zero rated but HMRC might nance costs. Council at a peppercorn rent require some of the building These resolutions were then and we would take legal advice costs to be VATable discussed from the floor. There to ensure that the position The company was also consid- was now greater support for the of the club was appropriately ering raising some funds from Resolutions and the move but safeguarded against compulsory members by way of debentures there should be provision for purchase or any other potential along similar lines to the deben- a community sports and recre- threat. tures issued in the 1970s when ation facility at Norman Park. Derek Gregory asked what the original 1920s club house Most of the questions were met security would be required by was extended. David Appleton with answers relating to the Charity Bank if it made the speaking on the business plan resolutions: company a loan. He was told Club News 39

that no security would be re- be approved by way of special Resolution 6.2. That the quired as the Charity Bank was resolution of the members in Directors be, and are hereby, set up to make loans to charities general meeting. The advice authorised to do the following that did not generally have from the company lawyers, in relation to the proposed assets to offer as security for Muckle, was that the terms of development and completion such loans. There would be no the existing Articles have exact- of a new Community Sports potential liability for members ly the same effect and Recreation Facility at of club members. but the Director/Trustees want- Norman Park, substantially in Chris Haines asked about plans ed the wording to be absolutely accordance with the plans and for encouraging cross country clear on this point designs presented to the meet- ing, all documentation relating running and the arrangements Once the Directors were satis- to these matters to be in such for that section when the club fied that (i) adequate funding moved to Norman Park. The form, including any conditions is available or committed to club has had meetings with the and undertakings, as the Direc- enable completion of the project manager at the Warren who is tors consider to be appropriate, in accordance with the current very keen to accommodate the having taken such professional budget (including the desig- club for its fixtures at no direct advice as they consider fit: nated contingency amount and cost and the Old Beccehamians, Resolution 6.2 (A). To enter at Spring Park, will allow their the amount of any VAT payable on the construction); and, (ii) into (a) an agreement for lease facility to be used on Wednes- and (b) a lease, each with the day evenings. planning permission has been granted for the new facility. The London Borough of Bromley, In support of the move Julie matter was put to the vote. The for a period of 125 years in Asher-Smith noted that the Resolution was approved 107 relation to the track and new Directors/Trustees of whom in favour and 7 against. This facility at Norman Park. she is one were very excited included 50 proxies in favour Resolution 6.2 (B). To sell the by the prospect of the future and 4 proxies against. Resolu- Company’s land and clubhouse development which will create tions 6.2 A to 6.2F were then a sustainable future for the club at 56, Bourne Way to The taken on a single vote with 109 Construction Project Limited, and it needed the enthusiasm in favour and 8 against. There and trust of the club members or its nominee, for an amount were 49 proxies in favour and 5 not less than £1,750,000 and to as well if this crucial develop- against. ment was going to go ahead and apply the sale proceeds towards achieve all its potential. Paul The resolutions put at the AGM funding the new facility at Patten, one of the Director/ were as follows: Norman Park.* Trustees, said that he had Resolution 6.1. The wording of Resolution 6.2 (C). To acquire consulted informally with the Article 21.3 in the Company’s Norman Park Track Man- young athletes, some of whom Articles of Association should agement Limited (‘NPTM’) he has helped to coach over the be amended to read: “The as a wholly-owned subsidiary past 17 years, and he has gath- Trustees may not dispose of and to delegate to NPTM ered signatures from 97 of the any asset(s) of the Club, which the day-to-day operation and young athletes in favour of the has or have, as at the proposed maintenance on behalf of the current proposals and the move date of disposal, an aggregate Company of both the track and to Norman Park. market value which exceeds that the new facility at Norman Park Ian Young introduced Reso- defined in the Finance Policy, (including the ability to employ lution 6.1 and said that it had without obtaining the approval and remove staff and enter been put forward to make it by way of special resolution into licences for use of parts of absolutely clear that a major of the Members in general the premises) and permit the disposal of property required to meeting.” * appointment to the Board of 40 Athletics Report

Continued

NPTM of one or more ‘inde- and sports massage. pendent’ directors. Harriers on Alan Pickering, Chairman of Resolution 6.2 (D). To the trustees, said “Sadly, good enter into such agreements as the move! news stories are rare these may be necessary with The days. However, athletics in the Construction Project Limited April 2018 London Borough of Bromley is and others for the construction a beacon of optimism. Not only and all related works (includ- For more than 90 years Black- did the Club have its best ever ing fit-out) required for the heath & Bromley Harriers year in 2017, the Norman Park completion of the new facility at AC have operated from their development will secure our piv- Norman Park, substantially in headquarters in Bourne Way, otal position in British Athletics accordance with the plans and Hayes, but changes are afoot and be at the heart of the local designs presented. to move their base to Norman community. Every family in the Park to be closer to their train- Resolution 6.2 (E). To apply local community will receive a ing track. At last month’s AGM, warm welcome when they visit such amounts from the Club’s Club members overwhelmingly capital reserves, to enter into the new home of Blackheath voted in favour of developing a and Bromley Harriers AC.“ credit facilities or otherwise new community sports centre agree to borrowings (such adjacent to the athletics track The planning application for the borrowings not to exceed in Norman Park, Hayes Lane, building has just been submitted £250,000) and to raise such Bromley. The decision was to Bromley Council Planning additional funding as may be reached after years of investi- Department by Architect, Za- required through the issue gation and consultation with reen Rahman of Zendium De- of debentures, in each case interested parties. sign and a successful outcome is towards funding the construc- hoped for this summer to enable tion and completion of the new This is a big commitment for work to commence by the Con- facility at Norman Park. the club as it will mean selling tractor, Paul Barthorpe of The their existing freehold clubhouse Resolution 6.2 (F). To do such Construction Project Limited at and investing the sale proceeds the beginning of September. other acts and things, including and reserves as well as undertak- agreement to reasonable ing major fundraising activities “The new facilities at Norman amendments to the plans and to raise sufficient funds to Park will, when completed designs for the new facility to enable them to complete the provide an excellent, modern, meet planning and funding con- project in time to celebrate the indoor space for athletes to train ditions, the execution of such Club’s 150th anniversary in in during the winter months and other documents and the taking 2019. in addition offer fantastic leisure out of such insurances, as the and fitness opportunities for the Directors shall consider neces- Whilst ensuring the long wider community.“ Said new sary or advisable in relation to term future of athletics in the Club President, Paul Byfield. borough the club also aims to the conduct and completion of The Club would be interested the project and the operation provide a venue for other local community groups which run in talking to potential users and and maintenance of the track funders of the centre. and new facility. sports, leisure and fitness class- es. The centre will provide ca- tering, toilets, changing rooms, a strength & conditioning suite and a number of multi-purpose rooms available for hire for meeting or by medical practi- tioners to provide physiotherapy Obituary 41 Peter Long VP 1927 – 2018

Kent Cricket and always took as an Accountant in 1949 and Peter Long, who sadly died delight in gathering as many spent his working life there. He recently, was just short of his of his friends as possible when was promoted to the position of 91st birthday. He had joined Kent played for a week in Tun- Registrar and after retirement the Club on 2nd April 1979 so bridge Wells. Very happy days he was called back to help them had been a member for 39 years. spent with Peter, with excellent out. His work at St Pauls was He became an excellent and picnics and fine Ale. highly regarded and he was diligent Club Treasurer when he rewarded by an invitation to retired from his job at St Pauls He enjoyed many aspects of Club life including Wednesday lunch with the Queen Mother Cathedral at the age of 65 and just before he retired. He had a continued in that role for a quite night runs with his friends, mob son who lived in Zimbabwe and amazing 15 years. Dave White matches, Club Dinners and oth- Peter and wife Jean made sev- made him a Vice President er social functions. He did long eral trips there. Also jaunts to in 1996, a very well deserved distance walks with other Club Dubai, and again to spend time honour. members and one particularly with their family. His daughter memorable walk in 1991 being Janet was a Club member and At the AGM when Peter as- the 100 mile Cotswold Walk was one of Anne Cilia’s early sumed the position of Treasurer with Derrick Brickwood, Len team members in the newly he wore a Sports Jacket and Dalmon and Ray Gibson. He formed Ladies Vets Track team. someone suggested he looked was part of the Club’s ‘Geriatric’ Janet always had a smile on her more like a bookmaker than Sunday Times National Fun face and Peter was often there a Club Treasurer. He never Run team and he completed to support her. again wore anything other than one London Marathon, his a Blazer at the Club AGM! time being 4.11.12. He loved His decline in the past few years was very sad to witness. He still He greatly enjoyed a trip with everything about Club life. He came on a Wednesday morning our young ladies to one of the briefly took up timekeeping and to join his friends for a jog/walk European Club Championships could be seen at Club fixtures and always wanted to shake ev- that they qualified for. He had with his stopwatch. He also eryone’s hand and had a snippet been managing the finances for occasionally acted as a Marshall of conversation prepared on these trips for some time. When at home Cross Country fixtures. something of mutual interest. Athletics’ Governing Body was His 80th birthday party at the Quite often this was about his in difficulties and the Club was Clubhouse was a most enjoyable favourite football team, Charl- owed a sizeable sum he attended occasion shared with family ton Athletic. a creditors’ meeting in Birming- and friends. He greatly enjoyed ham to ensure that the Club’s going to the Commonwealth Peter was a lovely man with claim was not forgotten and the Games when they were in great warmth and intelligence Club was eventually paid. Manchester with friends from and an excellent but quiet sense of humour. He is much missed He was a delightful man and the Club. He was an excellent Clubman who had many friends and we send our deepest con- very good company and always dolences to his wife Jean, their and admirers. knowledgeable and good to children Stephen and Janet, talk to on a variety of Sports. National Service was done their grandchildren and their Peter became a life member of between 1946 and 1948 in the great-grandchildren. It was a Kent County Cricket and spent Army Pays Corps in Ghana. privilege and a real pleasure to a lot of time at their ground in Peter reckoned he spent most have been his friend. Canterbury. He had an almost of the time playing Cricket and encyclopedic knowledge of Football! He joined St Pauls Len Dalmon and Mike Martineau 42 Officials Page

Executive Committee 2018/19 Past Presidents President: Existing Past Presidents of Blackheath Harriers AC: Paul Byfield John R Baldwin (1975/76), Colin M Brand (1978/79), Immediate Past President: Brian G Stone (1979/80), Ian C Wilson (1981/82), Derek L Gregory (1986/87), Nick Brooks Alan M Pickering (1992/93), Steve H Cluney (1993/94), David White (1994/96), Chairman of Committee: Mike Martineau (1996/97) Mike J Mahoney (1997/98), John Baldwin PP Chris R Haines (1998/99), Richard J Coles (1999/2000), Hon Secretary: Mike Davies (2000/01), Mike Peel (2001/02), Pat Calnan (2002/03). Vacant Existing Past Presidents of Bromley AC: (to 2003) Hon Treasurer: Daphne Reed, Joyce Hepher, Junior Field, Paul Jearum, Maureen Miller. David Appleton VP Past Presidents of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC: Chairmen of Active Athletics: John Robinson (2003/04), Margaret Baldwin (2004/05), Anne Cilia (2005/06), Summer – Tim Soutar PP Ken Daniel (2006/07), Les Roberts (2007/08), Tim Soutar (2008/09), Winter – Robert Cliff PP Alison Brand (2009/10), Richard Coe (2010/11), Denis Lawrie (2011/12), Chair of Finance: Steve Hollingdale (2012/13), Robert Cliff (2013/14), Dick Griffin (2014/15), Stephen Hollingdale PP David Cordell (2015/16), Bill Foster (2016/17), Nick Brooks (2017/18). Chair of Communications: Vice Presidents Vacant Existing Vice Presidents of Blackheath Harriers AC: Three Ordinary Members: George H Smith (1960), John E Lindblom (1962), Derek F E Hogg (1964), Adrian Stocks VP Tony V Hayday (1968), Richard J Edmonds (1969), Robert Richardson (1969), Paul Austridge VP John Lissaman (1972), Barry M Shapcott (1973), Geoff R Last (1974), Maz Turner VP Frank C Rogers (1976), Frank J Dyter (1977), Jerry C W Friend (1977), Chair of Development: Andy W Frankish (1979), Peter E Shepheard (1979), Peter C Hannell (1980), Paul Byfield Mike A Winch (1981), Ian K Young (1982), Gordon Brooks (1986), Sponsorship/Fund Raising: Simon Parsons (1990), Jim Phelan (1990), Nigel Keogh (1991), Vacant Trevor Llewelyn (1991), Mark I L Watling (1993), Steve J Freemantle (1995), House and Social: R Colin Poole (1995), Alan R Stevens (1995), Nick Nuttall (1997), David Cordell PP John E Turner (1997), Peter Lester (1998), Garry F P Spencer (1998), Bill Clapham (1999-2013), Mike J Cronin (1999), David Liston (2000), Membership Secretary: Roger A Michell (2000), Roger Counter (2002), Len Dalmon (2002), Rob Brown VP Roy Smith (2002). Track & Field Secretary: Wendy Daniels Existing Vice President of Bromley AC: David Green. (died 18th September 2018) Vice Presidents of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC: Cross Country Secretary: John Blackie (2003 ex BAC), Willem Buttinger (2003 ex BH), Ian Dibbens Vacant (2003 ex BAC), Hilary Gibbs (2003 ex BAC), David Taylor (2003 ex BH), Simon Tolson (2003 ex BH), Myrtle Augee (2004), Julian Golding (2004), Editor: Helen Godsell (2004), Simon Lloyd (2004), Anthony Pontifex (2004), Brian Wilf Orton – 020 8771 1128 Power (2004), Nick Gasson (2005), Brendan McShane (2005), Brian Hartley [email protected] (2006), Paul Patten (2006), Kate Pratten (2006), Michael Skinner (2006), Ray Assistant Editor: Will Ruiz Gibson (2007), Richard Holt (2007), Mark Purser (2007), Rob Brown (2007), [email protected] Bob Minting (2007), Costas Karageorghis (2008), Tom Phillips (2008), Terri Shotton (2008), Andy Tucker (2009), Roy Watkins (2009), Allan Williams Layout and Production: (2009), David Appleton (2010), Peter Lovell (2010), Steve Pairman (2010), Graham Smith – 07976 355 939 Colin Rowe (2010), Paul Austridge (2011), Con Griffin (2011), Deniz Mehmed [email protected] (2011), Wilf Orton (2012), Mick Jones (2013), Mike Sheppard (2013), Dave Club Headquarters McKinlay (2014), Alex Gibbins (2014), Richard Hall (2014), Jane Bradshaw Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC (2014), Julie Asher-Smith (2014), Marion (Maz) Turner (2015), Sheila Griffin The Sydney Wooderson Centre (2015), Jackie Montgomery (2015), Adrian Stocks (2015), Tim Ayres (2015). 56 Bourne Way, Hayes Claire Austridge (2016), Shaunagh Brown (2016), Andy Rayner (2016), Steve Bromley, Kent BR2 7EY Timmins (2016), Karen Desborough (2017), Chris Hilditch (2017), Mark Steinle (2017), Nick Corry (2017), Clem Leon (2018), Jay Galley (2018). Photographs The editing team wish to express their thanks for all those who contributed articles and photographs for this issue. We have made every effort to correctly identify all the photographers but sometimes this is not possible. If you took a photograph but haven’t been credited please let us know and we will publish the details in the next Gazette. Thanks for photographs to all who took them. Ethan Brown anchoring victory in the 4x400 metres relay